A comparison of two dental implant systems in partially edentulous patients: 4-month post-loading results from a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial

Purpose: To compare the clinical effectiveness of two implant systems: Way Milano and Kentron (Geass, Pozzuolo del Friuli, UD, Italy). Materials and methods: A total of 64 patients requiring at least two single crowns or partial fixed dental prostheses supported by a maximum of three implants had their sites randomised according to a split-mouth design to receive both implant systems at six centres. Patients were followed up for 4 months after initial loading. Outcome measures were prosthesis/implant failures, any complication and clinician preference. Results: In total, 71 Way Milano and 73 Kentron implants were placed. One patient died 45 days after placement of 2 implants, but all remaining patients were followed up to 4 months post-loading. No Way Milano implant failed whereas 3 Kentron implants failed before loading. Two complications were reported, one at each implant type. There were no statistically significant differences for prosthesis/ implant success and complications between the implant systems. Three operators preferred Way Milano implants whereas the other 3 had no preference. Conclusions: Preliminary short-term data (4 months post-loading) showed no statistically significant differences between the two implant systems, however trends were suggestive of a better clinical performance for Way Milano implants. Keywords: dental implant, effectiveness, laser-treated surface