Immediate and Early Function of Brånemark System® Implants Placed in the Esthetic Zone: A 1-Year Prospective Clinical Multicenter Study
Paulo Maló, DDS;* Bertil Friberg, DDS, MDS, PhD;† Giovanni Polizzi, MD, DDS;‡ Federico Gualini, DDS;§ Torbjörn Vighagen, DDS;|| Bo Rangert, PhD Mech Eng||

ABSTRACT Background: Immediate/early implant function means great benefits for patients and therapists because treatment time and cost can be substantially reduced. This concept has become an accepted alternative for complete arch fixed restorations in the mandible, and clinical documentation is emerging for other indications. Purpose: The purpose of this prospective clinical multicenter study was to evaluate the outcome of implants placed in incisor, canine, and premolar regions in maxillas or mandibles. Implants were loaded with provisional crowns and bridges on the same day or within a few days and were followed up for 1 year during function. Materials and Methods: Four centers treated 76 patients each in need of an implant-retained prosthesis in the anterior and premolar regions in the maxilla or mandible. A total of 116 titanium implants with machined surfaces (Brånemark System®, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) were placed: 74 in maxillas and 42 in mandibles. Eighty-seven prostheses were made, of which 63 were single crowns and 24 were bridges (supported by 53 splinted implants). Twenty-two implants in 14 patients were placed in fresh extraction sites. The goal with the