Early loading of Astra Tech implants in the lower jaw. I. A comparison between immediate placement of implants in fresh extraction sockets and conventional implant surgery

Abstract

AbstractAim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate early (1–2 weeks) loading of Astra Tech implants in the anterior part of the mandible, between the mental foramina, in a 3‐year clinical and radiological study.Material and methods: Early loading of Astra Tech Tioblast implants was performed in the lower jaw in 20 patients. Prosthetic loading of the implants was done between 1 and 2 weeks following surgery. The patients were divided in two groups with 10 patients in each group. One group had conventional implant surgery in edentolous mandibles, while in the second group extraction of remaining teeth and immediate placement of implants and early loading was carried out.Results: Clinical success rate was very high in all cases. However radiological examination showed a slightly inferior outcome after immediate placement in fresh extraction sockets and early loading of the implants with regard to the marginal bone level. There was however no significant difference between the groups.