Immediate occlusal loading of Tapered Internal Laser-Lok® implants in partial arch rehabilitations: a 24-months clinical and radiographic study

Aim The purpose of this 2 year prospective clinical study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate an implant with laser microtextured collar surface placed for immediate loading of fixed prostheses in cases of partial posterior maxillary and/or mandibular edentulism. Materials and methods Thirty-five partially edentulous patients who needed implant treatment and met inclusion criterias were consecutively enrolled at different study-centers in Italy. A total of 107 Tapered Internal Laser-Lok® implants (49 maxillary and 58 mandibular) were placed and immediately loaded. All provisional constructions were delivered within 1 hour, and the final constructions placed after 4 months. A total of 107 Tapered Internal Laser-Lok implants (49 maxillary and 58 mandibular) were placed and immediately loaded. All provisional restorations were delivered within 1 hour, and the final prosthesis placed after 4 months. A total of 32 prosthetic restorations, consisting of 10 two- units, 12 three-units, and 10 four-units fixed partial dentures were evaluated. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were monitored at follow-up examinations scheduled 6, 12, 24 months after implants placement. Results Five implants were lost after loading (3 implants in a two-unit maxillary restorations, 1 implant in a two-unit mandibular restorations, and 1 implant in three-unit maxillary restorations)giving a survival rate of 95.4% after 24 months. Mean crestal bone loss at 6, 12, and 24 months after implant insertion was 0.42 +/- 1.1 mm, 0.52 +/- 0.9 mm, and 0.66 +/- 1.3 mm, respectively. Conclusion Although limited bytheshort follow-up, immediate function with Tapered Internal Laser-Lok® implants seems to be a viable option to treat partially edentulous patients.