Outcomes of fixed prostheses supported by immediately loaded endosseous implants.

PURPOSE The aim of this article was to evaluate the survival and success of Straumann implants after immediate loading. A new method for fabricating effective definitive prostheses to immediately load implants in edentulous patients was presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine patients received 4 implants each, and resin-metal prostheses were installed less than 48 hours after implant placement. Mobility was evaluated immediately after the surgical procedures and 3 months subsequently using the Periotest. Clinical evaluation of soft peri-implant tissues was conducted monthly after the sutures were removed, and radiographs were obtained 6, 12, and 24 months after the surgery. RESULTS The Periotest revealed statistical values that were stable, with no mobility. No signs of inflammation and/or bleeding were observed. The radiographs did not reveal any continuous areas of radiolucency beyond the first thread of the 36 implants after 24 months. None of them failed, and the success rate was 100%. DISCUSSION It is possible to submit implants to immediate load without jeopardizing osseointegration if parameters are met, such as suitable bone quality and quantity, lack of unfavorable systemic and psychologic factors, lack of parafunctional habits, strict maintenance of prosthetic requirements, minimization of micromotion, and use of an appropriate surgical protocol. CONCLUSION Under immediate load, osseointegration of implants is possible, and the method presented for the fabrication of resin-metal prostheses has been reliable and predictable.