Clinical and radiographic performance of late placed and early loaded dental implants with a conditioned hydrophilic surface in posterior mandible sites: A prospective case series with an 8.5- to 9.5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcomes by means of implant and prosthetic survival of late placed and early loaded implants with a hydrophilic, moderately rough surface for partially edentulous patients after a follow-up of 8.5 to 9.5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective case series study involving 15 patients with single, late placed and early loaded implants in the posterior mandible was performed. Clinical and radiographical parameters, including biological and technical complications and patient satisfaction, were assessed.

RESULTS: From an initial sample of 15 patients, 12 were included. A total of 16 implants were observed. After a mean follow-up of 9 years and 7 months (SD ± 3.8 months), implant success and survival rate were 100%. The prosthetic survival rate was 100%, and the prosthetic success rate was 93.8% since a major chipping was observed. No biological complications were observed, and the mean modified plaque index was 0.03 (SD ± 0.09) with a mean probing pocket depth of 2.95 mm (SD ± 0.09). A mean marginal bone level (MBL) of 0.04 mm (SD ± 0.88) and a mean VAS of 9.42 (SD ± 0.90) for patient satisfaction were recorded.

CONCLUSION: Late placed and early loaded implants with a moderately rough endosseal surface are a reliable option for rehabilitating partially edentulous patients. An implant survival rate of 100% and a prosthodontic success rate of 93.8% were observed. Patient satisfaction scores were high and peri-implant hard and soft tissues remained healthy. The study findings should be carefully interpreted because of the small sample.