Immediate loading of titanium plasma-sprayed screw-shaped implants in man: a clinical and histological report of two cases.

THIS STUDY REPORTS ON THE histological findings of two immediately loaded titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants, retrieved for a fracture of the abutment and for psychological reasons, after 8 and 9 months of loading, respectively. The microscopical analysis showed that mature, compact, cortical bone was present around both implants, with the bone implant contact percentage about 60 to 70%. No fibrous tissue or gaps were present at the interface. No resorption was present in the peri-implant bone. On both implants a few osteoblasts were found positive at the interface for alkaline phosphatase (ALP); while no cells positive for acid phosphatase (ACP) were present. Immediate loading can, perhaps, be used in very selected cases of good bone quality, with implants that have certain macro- (screw shape) and micro-interlocks (titanium plasma-sprayed surface) characteristics. Good results have been reported also for non-TPS surface (e.g., machined surface). More data about different designs (e.g., cylinders) or coatings (e.g., hydroxyapatite) are needed before any firm conclusions about immediate loading can be reached.