Early loading of surface modified implants in the posterior mandible-5 year results of an open prospective non-controlled study

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate an early loading protocol for surface modified implants placed in the posterior mandible. Material and Methods: A total of 134 implants with a TiO2 blasted, fluoride modified surface were inserted into the posterior mandibles of 44 patients. The implants were functionally loaded after 7 weeks of healing. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values (during the first year), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque accumulation and marginal bone level (MBL) were assessed until the end of the observation period of 5 years. A total of 41 patients with 123 implants completed the study. Results: No implants were lost. ISQ values decreased significantly from the time of insertion to 2 weeks and increased significantly until the 1-year follow up. BOP varied until the end of the observation period between 7.9% and 13.0%. Plaque accumulation decreased from the time of early loading to the end of the study. MBL changed from 0.59 mm at the time of implant placement to 0.80 mm at the time of early loading. Thereafter, only slight variations in MBL occurred until the end of the observation period. Conclusions: The results confirm that early loading is a promising option also in posterior edentulism of the mandible.