Immediate Loading of Freestanding Implants Using Cortical Satellite Implants: 3-Year Results of an Ongoing Prospective Study

Implant survival in 1- versus 2-implant mandibular overdentures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review was performed to compare the survival of 1- vs. 2-implant overdentures (IODs) in the edentulous mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Manual and electronic database (PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL) searches were performed to identify scientific articles, published in English, reporting on mandibular IODs utilizing unsplinted attachments. Studies were included if they were prospective human studies reporting on two-piece microrough surface implants with a diameter ≥3 mm. Data were extracted by two independent investigators, and an overall inter-investigator kappa score was calculated. A meta-analysis was performed on the included comparative studies.

RESULTS

The search shortlisted 30 prospective studies for data extraction and statistical analysis. The included studies comprised of only two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 1- vs. 2-IODs, and a further 28 prospective studies. The kappa score calculated was between 0.86 and 1 for the various parameters. One RCT favored 1-IODs (RD: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.14) while the other favored 2-IODs (RD:-0.04, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.19). However, the overall random effects model did not reveal a significant risk difference (RD) for implant failure between the two interventions (I(2) = 36.6%, P = 0.209; RD: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.07, 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis conclude that the postloading implant survival of 1-IODs is not significantly different from 2-IODs. However, the existing scientific evidence in the literature in terms of prospective comparative studies is scarce. Hence, before recommending the 1-IOD as a treatment modality, long-term observations are needed and a larger range of functional, prosthodontic, and patient-centered outcome measures should be considered.

Novel implant design for initial stability of dental implants inserted in fresh extraction sockets: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a novel implant design for immediate implantation. This implant presents a specially designed expanded diameter midcrestal "wing" thread, which is aimed to provide added bone contact for greater insertion torque and primary stability.

METHODS

Mandibular premolars were extracted in 2 mongrel dogs, and immediate dental implants were inserted into the fresh extraction sockets. Implants were evaluated for stability using a resonance frequency analysis device immediately after insertion and after 4 and 8 weeks. Removal torque of 1 randomly selected implant in each hemimandible was measured as well. At 8 weeks, the remaining 6 implants were processed histologically.

RESULTS

Mean implant stability quotient at implant placement was 64.38 (5.03) and 74.5 (3.08) at 8 weeks. Average removal torque immediately after implant placement was 49.65 (20.3) N.cm and 98.33 (12.34) N.cm at 8 weeks. The mean bone-to-implant contact value at 8 weeks was 38.89% (7.65%).

CONCLUSIONS

The examined implant with the expanded diameter midcrestal "wing" thread showed good results of resonance frequency analysis and removal torque during the initial healing phase, and as such, it might be used for immediate implantation and loading.