Implants with an Oxidized Surface Placed Predominately in Soft Bone Quality and Subjected to Immediate Occlusal Loading: Results from a 7-Year Clinical Follow-Up

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical follow-up was to document the 7-year outcome of immediately loaded implants exhibiting an oxidized surface. Material and Methods: Thirty-eight patients received a total of 51 implant-supported fixed prostheses. The restorations were supported by 102 implants, the majority of which were placed in posterior regions (88%) and primarily in soft bone quality (76%). Radiographic examinations were performed at prosthesis insertion, at 1- and 6-month follow-ups, and annually at the 1- through 5-year follow-up visits. Marginal peri-implant soft tissue evaluations were conducted at all these follow-ups. This report presents the results after at least 7 years of loading. Results: After 7 years of prosthetic loading, the cumulative implant survival rate was 97.1% and the mean marginal bone remodeling was -1.51mm (SD 1.00, n=73) with significantly more initial remodeling at sites having received marginal guided bone regeneration procedures. A low rate of biological and technical complications was detected after 7 years of function. The quantification of intrasulcular plaque sampling showed no significant difference between teeth and implants. Conclusion: The 7-year follow-up data indicate that the introduced immediate loading protocol is a successful treatment alternative also including regions exhibiting soft bone conditions.