Immediate Loading of Implants Placed With the Osteotome Technique: One-Year Prospective Case Series

Background: There is limited information regarding marginal bone-level changes around immediately loaded implants placed with the osteotome technique. The aim of this case series is to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of immediately loaded implants placed with the osteotome technique over a 12-month period. Methods: Eighteen patients in need of oral prosthetic rehabilitation that included single implant placement in positions #4 to #13 and/or #20 to #29 participated in this prospective trial. A modified implant installation procedure with an under preparation of the implant bed using the osteotome technique and immediate loading of the implant was performed. Clinical examinations were performed at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months of follow-up. Radiographic examinations were performed at implant installation and at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Results: One implant failed to integrate and was removed at 3 months after implant installation. Four of 20 implants had insertion torque value >35 Ncm. The mean marginal bone loss was -0.09 mm at the 6-month and -0.19 mm at the 12-month follow-up visits. Conclusion: The present case series indicates that implants placed with the osteotome technique and immediately loaded did not demonstrate a high insertion torque and exhibited minimal marginal bone loss. J Periodontol 2011;82:1556-1562.