Immediate Loading of Implants in the Edentulous Maxilla: Use of an Interim Fixed Prosthesis Followed by a Permanent Fixed Prosthesis: A 32-Month Prospective Radiological and Clinical Study

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the survival rate of splinted and immediately loaded Straumann sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched, solid-screw dental implants in the edentulous maxilla after 32 months of loading. Twenty-eight patients (mean age 63 years) with edentulous maxillae received 168 implants (six each) and an implant-supported fixed interim prosthesis within 24 hours after surgery. After a mean healing time of 15 weeks, the patients received permanent screw-retained prostheses. Clinical and radiological examinations were made at implant placement and after 8, 20, and 32 months of loading. All permanent prostheses were removed at the 32-month follow-up; implant stability was checked with a torque device, and the implant stability quotient was determined with resonance frequency analysis. Mean marginal bone loss from baseline to 8 months after loading was 1.6 mm (SD 1.16; p = .094), from 8 to 20 months 0.41 mm (SD 0.63; p = .094), and from 20 to 32 months 0.08 mm (SD 0.49; p = .039). The 32-month cumulative survival rate was 98.2%. The 32-month survival of solid-screw implants - immediately loaded within 24 hours after placement - was similar to survival rates reported for solid-screw implants with conventional loading. Immediate loading and splinting of implants in the edentulous maxilla is a viable treatment alternative.