Clinical and radiographic evaluation of early loaded narrow diameter implants-1-year follow-up

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of Astra Tech OsseoSpeed (TM) TX 3.0S implants using one-stage surgical procedure and early loading in the anterior region. Material and methods: This is a prospective, single arm, multi-centre study. Patients missing teeth at positions 12, 22 and 32-42 were eligible to enter the study. The implants (OsseoSpeed T TX 3.0S) used in the study were of 3 mm diameter and of different lengths. One-stage surgery was performed, and healing abutments were used during the 6-10 weeks healing period. Clinical and radiographic examinations were assessed at implant installation, loading and at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Results: Ninety-seven implants were placed in 69 patients at six different study centres in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survival rate was 95.9%. No implants have been lost after loading (100% survival rate after loading). Mean marginal bone loss 1 year after installation was 0.065 mm (SD = 1.018). The frequency of bone loss >= 1 mm was 6.6% and 51.3% of the implants demonstrated no bone loss or even bone gain from the surgical visit to the first year follow-up visit. Mean probing pocket depth and gingival zenith score were stable from crown placement to the 6- and 1-year follow-up visits. Conclusion: Treatment with OsseoSpeed T TX 3.0S implants is a safe and predictable option in the anterior region where physical space is limited. Minimal marginal bone loss was observed during the first year follow-up.