A retrospective case series report on a novel aggressively threaded and tapered implant

Abstract

Background: Firm primary implant stability is considered as one determinant of success with implant therapy. A novel tapered implant with aggressive threading aiming at high primary stability, also in low bone densities, using a simplified drilling protocol has recently been developed. Aim/Hypothesis: To retrospectively evaluate the primary stability, clinical and radiographic performance of 25 tapered and aggressively threaded implants in 15 consecutive patients after one year of follow-up. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of the first 15 consecutive patients (13 female, 2 male) treated with 25 implants (Proactive Edge, Neoss AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) using a one-stage protocol and loaded for at least one year (Figures 1 and 2). Five implants had been placed in the mandible and 20 in the maxilla for seven single tooth replacements, seven partial bridges and one full bridge. Insertion torque/time curves were registered during placement with an Elcomed drilling unit (W&H Austria GmbH, Bürmoos, Austria). RFA measurements were taken after implant placement using a PenguinRFA instrument (IDSAB, Gothenburg, Sweden). The implants were either restored immediately (n = 5) or after 6 to 8 weeks of healing (n = 20). Marginal bone levels were evaluated in baseline and one-year intraoral radiographs. Results: All implants achieved firm primary stability as assessed with insertion torque (42.6 + 17.0 Ncm, range 13-80 Ncm) and RFA (76.9 + 3.7 ISQ, range 66-84 ISQ) measurements. Thirteen of the implants (all 3.5 mm in diameter) could be placed after the use of one spiral drill only. The remaining implants (4.0 mm, n = 10, 5.0 mm, n = 2) were placed after using two spiral drills. No implant was lost during the one-year of follow-up. The mean marginal bone resorption was 0.5 + 0.6 mm after one year. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: The present case series report showed that the novel implant and simplified drilling protocol resulted in firm primary implant stability. Promising clinical and radiographic outcomes were seen after one year. However, clinical studies including more patients and implants are needed. Keywords: dental implants, primary stability, clinical follow-up, case series Figure 1: The Neoss Proactive Edge implant in different diameters, Figure 2: Postoperative (left) and one-year (right) intraoral radiograph of one implant used for a maxillary molar replacement.