Purpose: The possibility of expediting dental implant therapy by early or immediate loading protocols requires long-term clinical investigation. The aim of this prospective cohort trial was to determine the 3-year implant success rate and prosthesis complications associated with functional loading 3 weeks after 1-stage placement of Astra Tech single-tooth implants replacing maxillary anterior teeth. A secondary objective was to determine peri-implant tissue responses at these implants.
Materials and methods: The peri-implant bone and mucosal conditions of 43 implants in 39 subjects were radiographically and clinically measured 3 years after implant placement.
Results: Of the 48 patients originally treated, 39 patients and 43 implants were examined at the 3-year time point. Three of 54 implants failed within the first year. No additional failures were recorded since the 12-month reporting period. Peri-implant bone levels were stable for the 3-year period following implant placement. The change in marginal bone levels after 3 years was 0.42 +/- 0.59 mm. Papilla growth was measured at 1 and 3 years (0.61 +/- 0.95 mm and 0.74 +/- 0.79 mm, respectively). The buccal peri-implant tissue dimensions at the gingival zenith also increased at 1 and 3 years (0.34 +/- 0.94 mm and 0.51 +/- 1.42 mm, respectively). No abutment screw loosening or fracture occurred.
Discussion and conclusions: Early loading of endosseous dental implants placed in healed ridges offers select benefits to clinicians and their patients.