The early loading of different surface-modified implants: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Surface modifications aim to enhance osseointegration and reduce dental treatment duration.
• Investigating implant stability in early loaded implants with different surface treatments is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the implant stability of early loaded implants with alumina sandblasted and acid-etched (SA), bioabsorbable apatite nanocoating (NH), and large-grit sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surfaces.
• To evaluate implant success, primary and secondary stability, and periodontal parameters for different implant surface treatments.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 75 implants across SA, NH, and SLA groups.
• Implant stability was measured at placement (primary) and six weeks post-placement (secondary) using Osstell and Periotest.
• Peri-implant probing depth was assessed three months after loading.

Main Results:

• A 98.7% survival rate was observed, with one implant failure.
• Significant improvements in both primary and secondary implant stability were noted across all groups.
• The NH group showed a trend towards higher stability, though not statistically significant compared to SA and SLA groups.

Conclusions:

• All tested implant surfaces demonstrated improved stability six weeks after placement.
• The bioabsorbable apatite nanocoating (NH) surface exhibited a trend towards superior implant stability.
• Further long-term studies are warranted to validate these preliminary findings on implant stability and osseointegration.