Immediately Loaded Fixed Full-Arch Implant-Retained Prosthesis: Clinical Analysis When Using a Moderate Insertion Torque.

PURPOSE: This study uses intentionally tilted implants with a moderate insertion torque to retain an immediately loaded fixed full-arch implant-retained prosthesis using four implants. The aims of this study were to determine the likelihood that this type of implant-retained prosthesis can be predictably provided on the day of implant placement, the survival rate when providing immediate load, and the importance of insertion torque on the survival of the implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All implants that were placed after August 1, 2015 and before December 31, 2016 at the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center of Minneapolis were recorded. The performance of these implants was followed to determine the success rate in the category of "intention to treat" where the treatment is provided on the same day as implant placement. Insertion torque was recorded for all implants. Implants were followed to determine survival of the implants and complications observed.

RESULTS: Between August 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, a total of 1,903 implants were placed. These implants were utilized to support 441 prostheses, with 440 actually being restored with a provisional prosthesis on the day of implant placement. Mean follow-up time was 484 days with a maximum of 972 days and a median of 474 days. A total of 36 implants failed to achieve osseointegration, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98.1% with a confidence interval (CI) of 98.7% to 97.5%. Survival was 97.6% in the maxilla and 98.9% in the mandible. Insertion torque of less than 15 Ncm (n = 80, 77 survival), between 15 and 34 Ncm (n = 122, 120 survival), and greater than 35 Ncm (n = 1,701, 1,670 survival) demonstrated no difference in implant survival.

CONCLUSION: Based on this study of 1,903 implants placed between August 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, the following observations were made: (1) this surgical/prosthetic treatment approach succeeded in the "intention to treat" category with 440/441 (99.8%) prostheses inserted on the day of implant surgery; (2) overall implant survival was 98.1%; (3) insertion torque appeared to have no effect on implant survival.