Immediate Loading of Intraorally Welded Short Implants

Few studies currently exist evaluating the outcome of short-length dental implants in immediate loading. When immediate loading is planned, adequate stability of implants is essential to prevent the risk of micromovements and loss of implants. The intraoral welded bar technique has been proven to offer a solution for the stabilisation of the immediately loaded implants. In this report, an immediate loading was digitally planned for the rehabilitation of a partially edentulous mandible using the Simplant^® software. Two short Ankylos implants (6.6 mm) and one long Ankylos implant (14 mm) were welded together intraorally and immediately loaded. During implant placement, final insertion torque (FIT) was digitally recorded. The welding abutments were connected, and a 2-mm diameter titanium bar was shaped and intraorally welded to the abutments using the WeldOne™ welding unit. Then the temporary prosthesis was relined and screwed into place. 4 months after the implant placement, the provisional restoration was removed and final impressions were recorded. A definitive metal-ceramic restoration was screwed on the posterior abutments and cemented on the anterior abutment. Implants presented a FIT of 18, 36, and 30 Ncm respectively, from posterior to anterior. Clinical status at 1 year after implant placement demonstrated remarkable soft tissue stability. 1-year follow-up radiograph showed stable peri-implant tissues. The absence of micromotion at the bone-implant interface is fundamental for osseointegration during the healing period. The present case report seems to suggest that intraoral welding technique can limit the micromovements of short-implants even when inserted with low torque values providing predictable osseointegration results. Keywords: immediate loading, short implants, intraoral welding, dental implants, digital planning, low torque