Implants with an Oxidized Surface Placed Predominately in Soft Bone Quality and Subjected to Immediate Occlusal Loading: Results from an 11-Year Clinical Follow-Up

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical follow-up was to document the 11-year outcome of implants with a moderately rough oxidized surface subjected to immediate occlusal loading. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six of 38 patients enrolled in a 5-year prospective study were available for this follow-up analysis, with 33 restorations supported by 66 slightly tapered implants (Branemark System MkIV, Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden). The majority of implants were placed in posterior regions (88%) and into soft bone (76%). Parameters included cumulative survival rate (CSR), radiographic marginal bone level, bleeding on probing (BOP), intrasulcular counts of perio-pathogenic markers (DNA probes), and total bacterial load (TBL). Results: The CSR was 97.1% at 11.2 years mean follow-up. Mean marginal bone remodeling was 0.47 mm (SD 1.09, n = 65) from 1 year postplacement to 11-year follow-up. BOP was absent at most sites (63.6%). No statistically significant differences in TBL or perio-pathogenic marker species were observed at implants and teeth. Conclusion: The results of the present follow-up show high long-term survival, stable marginal bone levels, and soft tissue outcomes of oxidized surface implants placed predominately in posterior regions and soft bone. The quantity and quality of intrasulcular microbiota were comparable at implants and teeth.