Stability and Marginal Bone Level Changes of SLActive Titanium-Zirconium Implants Placed with Flapless Surgery: A...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Narrow-diameter implants provide a minimally invasive approach for posterior dental restorations.
• Titanium-zirconium (TiZr) implants offer a potential alternative for enhanced osseointegration and strength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stability and marginal bone level (MBL) changes of narrow-diameter TiZr implants.
• Assess outcomes of flapless surgery and immediate loading in the posterior jaw region.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight 3.3 mm TiZr implants were placed using computer-guided flapless surgery.
• Implants were subjected to either immediate or conventional loading, with stability measured by resonance frequency analysis.
• Marginal bone level changes were assessed via digital radiography over 12 months.

Main Results:

• Surgical procedures were completed without complications.
• No significant differences in implant stability or MBL changes were observed between immediate and conventional loading groups.
• Mean MBL changes at 12 months were -0.18 mm (immediate) and -0.24 mm (conventional), both within acceptable clinical limits.

Conclusions:

• TiZr implants demonstrate clinically acceptable stability and marginal bone levels for posterior 3-unit bridges.
• Immediate loading of narrow-diameter TiZr implants is a viable treatment option in the posterior region.