Branemark and ITI dental implants in the human bone-grafted maxilla: a comparative evaluation

The development of new characteristics concerning implant surface makes it interesting to clinically compare different implant systems in the bone-grafted maxilla. The aim of this evaluation was to compare clinical data of a two-staged procedure on the augmented extremely atrophic maxilla using either Branemark- or ITI-fixures. In 25 patients (18 females, seven males) the severely atrophied maxilla was reconstructed with autogenous iliac or mandibular bone and either Branemark or ITI implants. Seventy-eight Branemark implants and 80 SLA-ITI implants were inserted in the augmented bone and the patients were followed between 20 and 67 months post implantation. The bone graft was transplanted to add bony volume in the maxillary sinus, the anterior floor of the nose and/or the alveolar ridge. After a healing period of 41/2 months, dental implants were inserted and left for healing for 8 months. Twelve consecutive patients received machine-surfaced Branemark fixtures and 13 consecutive patients received SLA-ITI fixtures. Gradual loading was applied after healing abutment application. After 6 months the permanent prosthetic reconstruction was provided to the patient, either as a fixed or removable bridge. Comparison in survival rate was performed: 15 machined Branemark fixtures were lost, resulting in an overall survival rate of 81%. Two ITI fixtures were lost, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98%. The results of this evaluation show that sandblasted large grit acid etched surface-treated ITI implants has a significant higher survival rate than machine-surfaced Branemark implants in autogenous grafted maxillary bone.