Immediate loading of Brånemark System Implants: a comparison between TiUnite and turned implants placed in the anterior mandible.

PURPOSE:

The aim of the present study was to compare the treatment outcome of TiUnite- and turned-surfaced Brånemark System (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) implants when applying immediate loading of cross-arch designed fixed partial dentures in the anterior mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Fifteen patients with edentulous mandibles participated in the study. In one half of the jaw, between the exit of the nerve-vessel bundle and the midline, one type of implant was placed and in the remaining half the other type. The implants were loaded the day of surgery via a fixed, temporary supra-construction. Ten days later, the permanent one was screw retained to the implant pillars.

RESULTS:

The present 18-month clinical trial failed to demonstrate any differences regarding healing and cumulative success rate of an an-oxidized implant surface (TiUnite) and a turned (turned) one when implants in the anterior mandible were exposed to functional load within 24 hours after installation.

CONCLUSION:

A high predictability regarding the treatment outcome for immediately loaded Brånemark implants in the anterior mandible was observed. Furthermore, no difference between the traditional turned and the an-oxidized implant surface (TiUnite) could be observed. However, it has to be stressed that all implants (irrespective of surface) were placed in the anterior mandible and also that all the patients demonstrated a high level of oral hygiene.