Immediate loading of single-tooth implants in the posterior region.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical response and safety of immediately loaded single-tooth implants placed in the posterior region of the maxilla and mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-tooth implants were placed in healed extraction sites in 20 adult patients. Temporary pre-fabricated acrylic resin crowns were prepared and adjusted. The crown occlusion was adjusted to obtain minimal contacts in maximum intercuspation. After 6 weeks a ceramometal or all-ceramic crown was cemented. Radiographic and clinical examinations were made at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Cortical bone response and peri-implant mucosal responses were evaluated. RESULTS: The marginal bone level at the time of implant placement was preserved. The mean change in marginal bone level was 0.01 mm at 12 months. The mean Periotest value after 360 days was -4. The peri-implant mucosal adaptation to the anatomic form of the provisional crown resulted in a natural esthetic outcome, and a gain in papilla length was observed. One implant failure was recorded because of provisional luting cement impaction. DISCUSSION: Clinical research has shown that immediate loading is a possible treatment modality. The immediate functional loading of implants placed in this study resulted in bone adaptation to loading. A satisfactory success rate with positive tissue responses was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this limited investigation indicated that immediate loading of unsplinted single-tooth implants in the posterior region may be a viable treatment option with an esthetic outcome.