Early loading of ITI implants supporting maxillary fixed full-arch prostheses

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the predictability of the early-loaded sand-blasted, large-grit and acid-etched (SLA) implants supporting maxillary-fixed full-arch prostheses. Material and methods: Ninety-one ITI SLA implants were placed in 12 edentulous maxillae. The impressions were taken at 4 weeks post-surgery. The abutments were tightened and the final fixed prostheses were cemented at 6 weeks after implant placement. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was conducted on the day of the surgery, at 4 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Panoramic radiographs were taken immediately after surgery, at 4 weeks post-surgery, immediately after prostheses attachment (baseline) and at the yearly follow-ups. Results: The survival rate of implants was 98.90%. The success rate of prostheses was 100% during the follow-ups. The radiographic result showed no radiolucency around the implants and the marginal bone level revealed no significant resorption compared with the baseline. The marginal bone level remained coronally beyond the first thread. The RFA results revealed Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values of 63.44±4.32, 57.14±4.25 and 66.43±3.78 for the three time points. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that early loading of ITI implants supporting maxillary fixed full-arch prostheses should be predictable. © 2008 The Authors.