Immediate loading of implants used for orthodontic anchorage.

The healing around an immediately loaded screw was described and related to the bone type, manner of loading and observation time. In four adult macaca fasicularis monkeys, 16 titanium vanadium screws were inserted into the infrazygomatic crest and two in the symphysis region. Immediately after insertion, screws were loaded with 25- and 50-g Sentalloy springs extending to the canines. Following an observation period of 1, 2, 4 and 6 months, the screws and the surrounding bone were removed. Undecalcified serial sections perpendicular to the long axis were made and the degree of osseointegration studied. Two of the screws were lost immediately after insertion. Of the remaining screws, osseointegration was present around all, but two. The integration was independent of bone type, trabecular or cortical, but increased with time. Based on the results of this study, the use of screws described in the report can be recommended as anchorage units in cases where conventional anchorage is not possible.