Fibro-osteal and osteal integration: a comparative analysis of blade and fixture type dental implants supported by clinical trials

Comparison of data from independent clinical trials conducted on both the Oratronics standard blade implant and the Nobelpharma fixture device provides evidence that the fibro-osteal and osteal modes of tissue integration are both effective, and lead to comparable implant success/survival rates. Advantages, disadvantages, and areas of preferred use and overlap for each implant system are discussed. Data from the VA Cooperative Study, comparing the efficacy of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) supported by a blade implant to removable partial dentures (RPDs), and from the NIDR/Harvard Study, comparing the efficacy of FPDs supported by a blade implant to cantilevered FPDs, indicate that the success/survival rates of FPDs supported by blade implant are equivalent to or better than those for conventional treatment modalities. Data presented in this paper establish the safety and efficacy of use of fibro-osteal integrated blade devices in implant dentistry.