Biological oriented immediate loading: A new mathematical implant vertical insertion protocol, five-year follow-up study

Abstract

One of the current major challenges in implant therapy is to minimize marginal bone loss around implants, since it can trigger bacterial colonization of the implant’s neck, leading to its failure. The present study aimed (1) to scientifically validate a new mathematical rule based on soft tissues thickness, for choosing the correct implant position with respect to the bone level, in order to provide a better tissue adaptation to the abutment/implant surface to avoid bacterial invasion, and (2) to apply this mathematical rule to the Biological Oriented Immediate Loading (B.O.I.L.) surgical protocol, avoiding peri-implant bone resorption. N. 127 implants were inserted following B.O.I.L. protocol: implants were placed according to the mathematical rule Y = X − 3, which correlates the position of the implant from the bone crest level (Y) with the thickness of the soft tissues (X). All the implants were inserted in fresh extraction sockets, and immediately loaded with temporary abutments and prostheses. Bone levels were evaluated through radiographic examination just after surgical procedure (T0), and after 10 days (10D), 6 months (6M), 1 year (1Y), and 5 years (5Y). After 5 years, the implant survival rate was 100%, with a medium marginal bone loss around implants of 0.0704 mm (SD = 0.169 mm). One-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test was performed for statistical evaluations (p < 0.05). This protocol provided a safe and successful procedure, with a good soft tissue seal against bacterial challenge. The application of the mathematical rule allows the implant placement in a correct vertical position from the bone crest, avoiding bone resorption and bacterial infiltrations. Moreover, the use of Multi Unit Abutment (MUA) determined a stable biological seal, favouring the implant healing and preserving the adhesion of hemidesmosomes to the titanium of MUA.