RCT comparing implants with turned and anodically oxidized surfaces: a pilot study, a 3-year follow-up.

AIM: This 3-year prospective randomized controlled trial compared the clinical, microbiological and biochemical outcome of minimally (Turned, Tur) and moderately rough (TiUnite(®) , TiU) implant surfaces in a split-mouth design.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included 14 subjects: nine fully edentulous and five partially edentulous subjects with a history of periodontitis. Implants (n = 78, 39 Tur and 39 TiU) were installed randomly in each patient. Peri-implant clinical parameters and intra-oral radiographs were recorded after 3 years of loading. Subgingival plaque and peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected and analysed using culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the biofilm, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the concentration of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, respectively.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in clinical, microbiological and biochemical parameters could be observed when comparing the Tur and TiU implant surfaces.

CONCLUSION: After 3 years of loading, in periodontitis susceptible patients, the moderately rough, TiU implants demonstrated a similar clinical outcome compared with the smoother, turned implants. Longer follow-up and studies using different implant types are needed to confirm the statement that minimally and moderately rough implant surfaces perform similar, both from a clinical and from a microbiological point of view.