Purpose
The study aims to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome of immediate loading of implants in the edentulous mandible.
Materials and Methods
Patients were treated at least 1 year prior to evaluation, with four to five implants and an immediate provisional bridge in the edentulous mandible. They were invited for a clinical examination, which included the removal of the bridge, probing, perio‐testing, clinical photographs, and a new radiograph to determine the bone level. Also, patients were requested to answer the OHIP‐14 questionnaire to rate their satisfaction with the treatment.
Results
Forty‐six patients (21 men, 25 women), mean age 60 years (SD 8.5, range 43–77), were treated with 211 implants. One implant failed to integrate, resulting in a survival rate of 99.5%. After a mean follow‐up of 90 months (SD 45, range 17–143), the mean bone level was 1.17 mm (SD 0.49, range 0.36–4.88). The mean Periotest value was −5.48 (SD 0.883, range −2 to −7). The mean probing depth was 2.04 mm (SD 0.71, range 1.00–8.25). There were 83.3% of the implants that demonstrated no bleeding at probing. Calculus was observed at 13.9% of the abutments. Around one implant (0.5%), suppuration was seen after probing. There was a highly significant correlation between bone loss and probing depth (p < .001). Overall, patients were very satisfied, with 69.6% scoring their treatment as excellent.
Conclusion
Immediate loading of surface‐enhanced implants is a highly predictable and successful treatment modality in the edentulous mandible.