The present study demonstrated a 10% higher success rate following immediate loading of partial fixed bridges in the posterior mandible supported by TiUnite surface implants compared with success with machined implants. When using the machined implants, the number of failed implants was significantly higher in smokers and in bone quality 4 sites. Such findings were not seen following the use of TiUnite implants.

The study confirmed the feasibility of an immediate-loading treatment protocol in the maxilla, which included flapless surgery, implants and abutments placed in predetermined positions, and prefabricated provisional restorations. All failures occurred within the first 2 months of loading. The unchanged survival rate and the low average bone loss found during the following 34-month study period indicate a good long-term prognosis for the performed immediate-loading treatment.

The present study demonstrated that oxidized implants subjected to immediate or early loading do integrate with soft and bone tissues in the posterior mandible.

This short-term retrospective analysis showed a poor clinical outcome of Nobel Direct implants. Extensive marginal bone loss (>3 mm) was found around more than 1/3 of the implants evaluated. Less resorption and no failures were experienced when implants were allowed to heal from 6 weeks to 6 months before occlusal loading. Within the limitations of the present study design, data indicate that immediate loading, the use of this implant for multi-unit constructions and flapless surgery are risk factors for failure of Nobel Direct implants.

Background: A recently introduced implant, the NobelDirect (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden), has previously been documented with substantial bone resorption in a large number of operated cases.