BACKGROUND: The current investigation focuses on new implant designs for increased predictability in clinically demanding situations. Microtextured implant surfaces create favorable conditions for enhanced osseointegration of dental implants compared to implants with a smooth surface, and the macroscopic implant design may influence implant stability. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical performance of a novel implant design in the rehabilitation of completely edentulous jaws and in combination with an immediate function protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients received 189 study implants (NobelSpeedy concept implant, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) supporting 53 full-arch all-acrylic prostheses (44 maxilla, 9 mandible). The majority (66%) of the reconstructions were supported by four implants, of which the two posterior implants were tilted. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. Radiographic assessment of the marginal bone level was performed. RESULTS: Two implants were lost in two patients, rendering a 1-year cumulative clinical survival rate of 98.9%. The marginal bone level was, on average, situated 1.2 +/- 0.7 mm below the implant-abutment interface after 1 year of loading. Good soft tissue health and overall esthetic outcome was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present pilot study indicate that fully edentulous jaws with various types of bone can be treated with high success and good esthetics using immediately loaded implants with the presented design, and that favorable marginal bone levels can be maintained.
BACKGROUND: The current investigation focuses on new implant designs for increased predictability in clinically demanding situations. Microtextured implant surfaces create favorable conditions for enhanced osseointegration of dental implants compared to implants with a smooth surface, and the macroscopic implant design may influence implant stability. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical performance of a novel implant design in the rehabilitation of completely edentulous jaws and in combination with an immediate function protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients received 189 study implants (NobelSpeedy concept implant, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) supporting 53 full-arch all-acrylic prostheses (44 maxilla, 9 mandible). The majority (66%) of the reconstructions were supported by four implants, of which the two posterior implants were tilted. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. Radiographic assessment of the marginal bone level was performed. RESULTS: Two implants were lost in two patients, rendering a 1-year cumulative clinical survival rate of 98.9%. The marginal bone level was, on average, situated 1.2 +/- 0.7 mm below the implant-abutment interface after 1 year of loading. Good soft tissue health and overall esthetic outcome was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present pilot study indicate that fully edentulous jaws with various types of bone can be treated with high success and good esthetics using immediately loaded implants with the presented design, and that favorable marginal bone levels can be maintained.