Immediate loading of two unsplinted implants supporting a Locator-retained mandibular OVD seems to be a suitable treatment option. Significantly less RBL was observed after 1 year of loading around IL implants than around DL implants. Furthermore, neither implant length nor insertion torque seemed to affect RBL 1 year after surgical placement.
Aim
The purpose of this observational, post‐trial follow‐up study was to evaluate 60‐month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial that compared immediately and delayed loaded two unsplinted implants, supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture.
Materials and Methods
Patients from a randomized controlled clinical trial, treated with either immediate or delayed loading of two implants, supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture, were recalled for 60‐month evaluation. Patients underwent a clinical and radiographic examination to evaluate the peri‐implant soft tissue parameters and bone. Prosthetic maintenance needs and complications were also recorded.
Results
Twenty three of the 30 patients were available for the 60‐month follow‐up. The mean radiographic bone level change measured using standardized periapical radiographs from baseline to 60 months was 0.89 mm (±0.74) and 0.18 (±0.41) for delayed loading and immediate loading groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed at 60 months with a smaller radiographic bone level change in the immediate loading group. No implants were lost between 12 and 60 months. At 60 months, per‐protocol implant survival rate was 100% for both the groups. No difference was found in the peri‐implant soft tissue parameters and prosthetic needs between the groups.
Conclusion
Both immediately and delayed loaded implants supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture showed similar clinical outcomes.
Flap management is one of the key elements for success in periodontal surgeries and bone regeneration for dental implants. The aim of this article is to introduce a releasing incision method for effective flap advancement to obtain tension-free primary closure. The 'upward-motion scissors technique' (UMST) involves the use of surgical scissors handled with an upward motion to create multiple shallow incisions. The use of UMST is demonstrated in an anatomically challenging case requiring bone augmentation. This technique provides a novel approach for flap advancement and may reduce potential complications involved in releasing incisions. The true benefit of UMST needs to be evaluated in future studies.
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