Simplified treatment of the atrophic posterior maxilla via immediate/early function and tilted implants: A prospective 1-year clinical study

Background: Posterior maxillae are often difficult to treat owing to the sinus antrum. Placing implants in remaining bone regions in the atrophic maxilla, without performing sinus grafting, is a challenge. Immediate function adds to this challenge. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to suggest and evaluate a simplified treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla using tilted implants subjected to immediate/early function. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients were included in the study. Sixty implants were placed to support 19 fixed partial or full-arch prostheses. Immediate/early function was applied. The patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after prosthesis connection. Stability measurements and radiographic evaluation of the change of the marginal bone level were performed. Results: One axial and one tilted implant failed in one patient, giving a cumulative survival rate of 96.7%. No failure of provisional prostheses occurred. The mean marginal bone resorption recorded after 1 year was low (0.82 mm for axial implants and 0.34 mm for tilted implants). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that tilted implants placed in immediate function may be a viable treatment approach for the rehabilitation of the atrophied maxilla. Simplified treatment procedures, reduced surgical invasion, shorter treatment time, and reduced costs constitute some of the benefits for the patient and the clinician.