Resonance frequency evaluation on immediate loading implants with angled abutments: case series

Aim: Immediate loading of implant-supported prosthesis is a predictable and standardised therapy for rehabilitation of partially and totally edentulous patients. The present case series evaluate implant success rates by measuring resonance frequency on immediate loading implants with angled abutments. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed on five partially edentulous patients. Twenty-six Neoss ProActive Tapered® (Neoss Ltd. Harrogate, UK) implants were inserted: 22 in the maxillary bone and 4 in the mandibular bone. The Osstell ISQ® (Osstell; Integration Diagnostics, Göteborg, Sweden) was used to evaluate implant stability. Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) measurements were performed in three stages: at time of implant insertion (t0), after three (t1) and 12 (t2) months. The ISQ values were recorded after implant installation of Access® (Neoss Ltd. Harrogate, UK) during the different stages. Results: A six months follow-up showed implant survival of 96%. Twenty-four implants were osseointegrated, a maxillary implant was lost and one other implant was excluded from the study. The values of ISQ ranged between 53-88 ISQ (average 66 ± 6.1 ISQ, median 67 ISQ) at t0, 51-80 ISQ (average 70 ± 5.8 ISQ, median 70 ISQ) at t1 and 53-80 ISQ (average 70.8 ± 5.7 ISQ, median 72 ISQ) at t2. Conclusions: The 24 out of 25 successful implants in five patients demonstrate how using 4-6 implants guarantees sufficient anchorage for a fixed prosthesis and adequate distribution of the prosthetic load on the maxillary and mandible bones, without causing implants failures.