Use of the Endopore dental implant to restore single teeth in the maxilla: protocol and early results.

This report outlines the experimental, surgical, and prosthodontic protocols for a prospective clinical trial using the Endopore dental implant to replace single maxillary teeth. Twenty patients (10 male, 10 female) ranging in age from 30 to 60 years each received one implant (mean length 10.1 mm), which, after an initial healing period of 4 months, was restored with a single crown. Records collected included radiographs, Periotest mobility measurements, supragingival Plaque Index, and an assessment of peri-implant soft tissue health using pocket probing depths, sulcular bleeding following probing, and probing attachment levels. Radiographs were exposed at predetermined intervals following crown placement (1 and 6 months, and then yearly) in a standardized procedure using a specialized filmholder that attaches to each implant after removal of the crown. At the time of this preliminary report, all of the 20 implants placed had been uncovered and were in function; 16 of the implants had been in function for 6 months or more, 14 had passed 1 year of function, and 3 had passed the 2-year function point. There have been no failures to date.