Impact of Three Different Surgical Drilling Protocols on Early Loaded Single Implant in Posterior Maxilla: A 3-year...

This study aims to compare three different drilling techniques for implant site preparation to enhance the primary stability of the early loaded single implant in the posterior maxilla.

A total of 36 dental implants were used in this study for the replacement of a missing single tooth or more in the maxillary posterior region with an early loaded dental implant. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. In group I, the drilling was performed using an undersized drilling technique, in group II, the drilling was performed using bone expanders, and in group III, the drilling was performed using the osseodensification (OD) technique. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular time intervals immediately, 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after surgery. All clinical and radiographic parameters were subjected to statistical analysis.

All implants in group I were stable and successful, while 11 from 12 implants survived in both groups II and III. There was no significant difference in peri-implant soft tissue health and marginal bone loss (MBL) throughout the whole study period between the three groups, while there was a significant difference in implant stability and insertion torque between groups I, II, and III at the time of implant placement.

Preparing the implant bed using the undersized drilling technique with drills with similar geometry to the implant being inserted provides high implant primary stability without the need for additional instruments or cost.

Dental implants can be early loaded in the posterior maxilla by using an undersized drilling technique, as it improves primary stability.