Digitally planned, immediately loaded dental implants with prefabricated prostheses in the reconstruction of edentulous maxillae: A 1-year prospective, multicenter study

Abstract

Background: The introduction of digital planning programs has made it possible to place dental implants in preplanned positions and being immediately functionally loaded by using prefabricated prostheses. Purpose: The aim of this multicenter study was to describe the 1-year results of digitally planned, immediately loaded edentulous maxillae. Materials and Methods: A total of 312 implants (Brånemark System®, TiUnite RP, Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden) in 52 patients from eight Scandinavian clinics were digitally planned, surgically as well as prosthetically, by using the NobelGuide® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) and received prefabricated, immediately loaded fixed prosthetic constructions in the maxillae. Individual implant stability was manually tested at 1-year follow-up. Results: All patients received a Procera Implant Bridge® (Nobel Biocare AB); however, in two cases, the bridges were reconstructed due to misfit. In five patients, difficulties in getting the surgical guide completely in position, and in five patients, getting the prostheses completely seated, were noted. All but four patients fulfilled the 1-year follow-up. Two implants were lost during the study period, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 99.4%. The mean marginal bone resorption from implant placement to the 1-year follow-up was 1.3 mm (SD 1.28). More than 2 mm of marginal resorption was noted in 19% of the implants at this instant. The most frequently reported complications during the first year were gingival hyperplasia and prosthesis-related problems (prosthesis screw loosening, occlusal fractures, and occlusal adjustments). Conclusion: The 1-year results in this multicenter are promising regarding implant and bridge stability; however, the study is planned to be running for at least 3 years. © 2008, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.