Introduction
Dental implantology has seen significant advancements over the past decades, particularly in the immediate loading of implants.
This article explores a pioneering study conducted over ten years by Antoine Berberi, Amine El Zoghbi, Georges Aad, and Georges Tehini.
The study focuses on the effectiveness of digitalised customised restorations for single-tooth implants placed in fresh extraction sockets in the aesthetic anterior maxilla.
Published in PubMed, it provides invaluable insights into the long-term success and stability of this technique.
Study Objective
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the marginal bone level changes around single-tooth implants immediately restored with CAD/CAM customised crowns.
The emphasis was on the aesthetic anterior maxilla, a region where maintaining bone and tissue integrity is crucial for both functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Methodology
- Participants: The study involved 20 patients (15 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 30 years. Each participant required a single-tooth implant in the aesthetic zone of the maxilla.
- Implant Procedure: The implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets immediately following tooth extraction. Customised temporary crowns, fabricated using CAD/CAM technology, were cemented onto final abutments.
- Follow-Up Schedule: Marginal bone levels were meticulously measured at several intervals: at the time of implant placement, 8 weeks post-placement, and subsequently at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years.
Results
- Osseointegration Success: All implants demonstrated successful osseointegration over the 10-year period, indicating that immediate loading did not compromise implant stability.
- Marginal Bone Loss: The study reported minimal marginal bone loss, with an average of 0.217 mm observed at the 10-year mark. This is significantly lower than the average bone loss reported in conventional implant loading protocols.
- Soft Tissue Health: The customised restoration approach promoted favourable soft tissue attachment, which is critical in maintaining the aesthetic and functional aspects of dental implants.
Discussion
The results of this study underscore the viability and advantages of immediate loading with digitalised customised restorations. Several key factors contribute to the success of this technique:
- Precision of CAD/CAM Technology: The use of CAD/CAM technology allows for the fabrication of highly precise and customised crowns, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal load distribution. This precision minimises micro-movements that could potentially disrupt osseointegration.
- Preservation of Alveolar Ridge: Immediate placement and loading help preserve the alveolar ridge by preventing the resorption that typically follows tooth extraction. This preservation is crucial in the anterior maxilla, where bone loss can significantly impact aesthetic outcomes.
- Improved Patient Experience: Immediate loading reduces the number of surgical interventions and overall treatment time, enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction. Patients benefit from immediate functional and aesthetic restoration, which is a significant psychological boost.
- Long-Term Stability: The study’s long-term follow-up demonstrates that immediate loading with customised restorations provides stable outcomes over a decade. The minimal bone loss observed is a testament to the technique’s effectiveness in maintaining hard tissue integrity.
Clinical Implications
The findings from this study have profound clinical implications. For dental practitioners, the ability to offer immediate loading with digitalised customised restorations presents a compelling treatment option, especially for patients requiring implants in the aesthetic zone.
The technique not only ensures excellent aesthetic results but also guarantees long-term stability and minimal bone loss.
Future Research Directions
While this study provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of immediate loading with customised restorations, further research is warranted to explore several aspects:
- Comparative Studies: Comparative studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to compare immediate loading with traditional delayed loading protocols, focusing on various implant systems and restoration materials.
- Advanced Imaging Techniques: Utilising advanced imaging techniques such as 3D CBCT scans could provide more detailed insights into bone remodelling and soft tissue changes over time.
- Patient-Centred Outcomes: Future research should also focus on patient-centred outcomes, including quality-of-life assessments, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes.
Conclusion
The 10-year prospective study on immediate loading using digitalised customised restorations for single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla provides compelling evidence of its efficacy.
The approach minimises marginal bone loss, ensures stable soft tissue attachment, and delivers excellent aesthetic and functional results.
As dental technology continues to advance, such innovative techniques hold the promise of revolutionising implantology, offering patients superior outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
For more detailed information, visit the PubMed article.
The success of immediate loading with digitalised customised restorations underscores the importance of choosing the right implant system.
Bioconcept Australia’s bone-level tapered (BLT) implants are ideal for this clinical scenario.
Engineered for superior osseointegration and long-term stability, these implants feature advanced surface treatments and precise designs that enhance bone preservation and tissue health.
Trust Bioconcept Australia to provide the highest quality implants, ensuring optimal outcomes for your patients in aesthetic and functional dental restorations.
