Immediate loading of post-extraction one-piece implants using atraumatic threaded bone expanders: Retrospective study 2001–2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictability of immediate loading in conjunction with one-piece post-extraction implants in the mandible using atraumatic threaded bone expanders.

Material and methods

A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study and received 448 implants in the mandible, each patient received 8 implants; 4 in the anterior mandible and 2 in each side in the posterior mandible. Atraumatic threaded bone expanders were used to prepare the osteotomy site before the insertion of one-piece post-extraction implants, followed by immediate loading. The definitive prostheses were delivered to patients after 3–4 months.

Results

A total of 9 implants were lost in 3 patients (2%) during the period of osseointegration indicating a survival and success rate of 98% in a study period of 1–10 years. No other implant failed after that nor have been any complication during the rest of the follow up period.

Conclusions

One-piece implants submitted to this technique have converted to a predictable procedure, it is success in the mandible in this study of 10 years was 98%. However, it is necessary to determine the cases that are indicated for this procedure, as well as the characteristics of the implant, which favour immediate implantation.