Long-term stability of esthetic outcomes of immediately loaded locking taper implants in the anterior maxilla- 5 year results

Background

In esthetic areas implant-complications such as the appearance of subgingival gray-wash transparency or abutment or implant collar exposure may have serious implications for the patient's social life as well as the patient-therapist relationship even if good osseointegration has been achieve. Authors therefore believe that to be able to properly evaluate a therapeutic protocol aimed at the rehabilitation of esthetic areas it is also essential to consider the results from the esthetic appraisal

Aim/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare 1 to 5 year follow up results in term of implant survival, peri-implant tissue health, and esthetic outcomes in implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of anterior maxilla areas according to an immediate postextractive non-functional loading protocol.

Material and Methods

The study, involving 16 patients treated in 2011, has evaluated the long-term results of 21 implants placed in areas with high esthetic value. For each implant the pink white esthetic score (PES WES), cumulative survival rate (CSR), and health status of peri-implant tissues were reported (Probing Depth, modified Bleeding Index and modified Plaque index, radiographic evaluation of interproximal Bone Level)

Results

After 5 years observation period 14 patients were re-evaluated (2 patients drop out)- the CSR was 100%, and the mean total pink white esthetic score was c.a. 15.7 on a maximum value of 20 [P = NS PES WES (2011)=16.9] . All subjects presented an excellent plaque control and the inflammation indices were within the norm.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

Within the limits of this clinical case series study, this immediate loading protocol seems to be a successful procedure in term of esthetic results maintenance at 5-year follow-up.