Three-year evaluation of single-tooth implants restored 3 weeks after 1-stage surgery

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Periodontology

Background:

• Expediting dental implant therapy through early or immediate loading protocols requires long-term clinical validation.
• Assessing the success rate and complications of early functional loading is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 3-year implant success rate and prosthesis complications of single-tooth Astra Tech implants loaded functionally 3 weeks after placement.
• To assess peri-implant tissue responses, including bone levels and soft tissue dimensions, at these implants over 3 years.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort trial involving 43 implants in 39 subjects who received Astra Tech single-tooth implants in the maxillary anterior region.
• Functional loading occurred 3 weeks after 1-stage implant placement.
• Radiographic and clinical measurements of peri-implant bone and mucosal conditions were taken at the 3-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Three out of 54 implants failed within the first year; no further failures occurred up to 3 years.
• Peri-implant bone levels remained stable, with a mean marginal bone loss of 0.42 +/- 0.59 mm after 3 years.
• Significant increases in papilla height (0.74 +/- 0.79 mm) and buccal peri-implant tissue dimensions (0.51 +/- 1.42 mm) were observed at 3 years. No abutment screw complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• Early functional loading of endosseous dental implants placed in healed ridges is a viable treatment option.
• This protocol demonstrates favorable long-term success rates and positive peri-implant tissue responses.
• Early loading provides distinct advantages for both dental practitioners and patients undergoing maxillary anterior tooth replacement.