Early loading of mandibular implants placed immediately after extraction: a 10-year prospective study of eight patients.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the 10-year implant survival rate as well as bone remodeling for immediately loaded anterior mandibular implants.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Patients with nonrestorable anterior mandibular teeth were enrolled. All mandibular teeth were extracted, and five rough-surfaced (titanium plasma spray) one-piece implants were placed, evenly spread between the mental foramina. All implants were immediately loaded with a provisional prosthesis. A definitive prosthesis was .

RESULTS

Eight patients received 40 implants, 30 in extraction sockets and 10 in healed sites. All but two implants that did not achieve primary stability (35 Ncm) were immediately loaded. The progress of seven patients was evaluated after 10 years. The mean age at implant placement was 60 years, and the length of follow-up varied between 10.3 and 11.47 years. The results showed a 100% implant retention rate; however, clinically observed bone loss around two central implants led to consideration for future surgical intervention or removal. Average bone loss was < 1 mm, and little difference was noted between implants placed in healed sites and those placed in extraction sockets. Technical problems with the prostheses were confined to two patients; one patient had seven fractures and the other had one.

CONCLUSION

Rough-surfaced implants placed in extraction sockets between the mental foramina and immediately loaded can be successful in the long term. Because only is recommended that this site be avoided when immediately loaded implants are to be used in the anterior mandible.