Clinical and Radiographic Outcome Short-span Fixed Partial Dentures Supported by 2 Immediately Placed Implants in the Anterior Mandible: A Long-term Retrospective Analysis

Objective: To report the implant survival rates, clinical, and radiographic outcomes following a duration of over five years in the function of 2 immediately placed implants supported by a short-span fixed partial denture (FPD) in the anterior mandible. Materials and Methods: 100 individuals with immediately placed 2 implants (n=200) to support a 4-unit FPD in the lateral incisor’s region of the mandible for long-term functional life with different loading protocols  were chosen for this research. The participants were divided into 3 groups according to loading protocol after implant placement. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), radiographic crestal bone level (CBL) and implant survival rate were evaluated. Results: Three implants failed out of 200. Seven years was the average years that the implants were in function, and the overall survival rate was 98.5%. The mean PI was 24.86 in group I, 24.45 in group ΙΙ, and 24.77 in group ΙΙΙ. Group Λ had a mean BOP of 29.48, group ΙΙ had a mean BOP of 29.03, and group ΙΙΙ had a mean BOP of 29.12. For group Ι, the mean PD was 2.03; for group ΙΙ, it was 2.09; and for group ΙΙΙ, it was 2.11. For group Ι, the mean radiographic CBL was 1.69; for group ΙΙ, it was 1.56; and for group ΙΙΙ, it was 1.57. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups regarding PI, BOP, PD, CBL, and implant survival. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, immediate loading protocol of immediately placed dental implants in the mandibular lateral incisor’s region is a reliable dental rehabilitation choice and represents a valid alternative to the traditional delayed loading rehabilitation. Clinical significance: Immediate implant placement and immediate loading protocol can be advantageous for both patients and physicians. It can save costs and treatment times, and it might be a good alternative for patients who have high aesthetic standards for their anterior mandible.