PubMed ID (PMID): 16939015Pages 337-345, Language: EnglishDrago, Carl J. / Del Castillo, Robert A.This article reports the preliminary results from a clinical study involving the use of implants with a natural taper design in edentulous and partially edentulous patients. Implants were followed for at least 12 months after occlusal loading. Three hundred nine implants were placed by two periodontists (176 maxillary, 133 mandibular; 198 anterior, 111 posterior). Digital radiographs were taken immediately after implant placement and 1 year after occlusal loading. Computerized measurements were made, with distances calculated between the implant restorative platforms and the greatest heights of interproximal bone on both interproximal surfaces at the time of implant placement and 12 months postplacement. At the 12-month recall appointments, it was noted that 8 of the 309 implants had failed. Osseotite NT implants can be used in the treatment of edentulous and partially edentulous patients using two-stage, single-stage, and immediate occlusal loading protocols with survival rates equivalent to those seen for cylindrically shaped implants.
