Long-term Study in Early Loaded Hydrophilic Surface Implants

Clinical and Radiographic Performance of Early Loaded Dental Implants With a Conditioned Hydrophilic Surface: A Prospective Cohort Study With an 8.5- to 9.5-year Follow-up

Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction of early loaded implants with a hydrophilic, moderately rough surface for partially edentulous patients after a follow-up of 8.5 to 9.5 years.

Materials and methods: A prospective observational single-centre study involving 15 patients with single, delayed placement and early loaded implants in the posterior area was performed. Clinical and radiographical parameters, including biological and technical complications and patient satisfaction, were assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals between the ages of 18 and 75 years (inclusive)
• Partially edentulous patients with missing teeth in the posterior mandible (positions 34-37 and 44-47) and a healed site at least four weeks after tooth extraction
• Patients requiring a single dental implant
• Patients with physical status 1 or 2 according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification System
• Inadequate native bone quality and quantity to place implants with a diameter of ≥4.0 mm
• Removable prosthesis or complete dentures in the antagonizing dentition
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with compromised general health contraindicating surgical intervention
• Presence of conditions requiring chronic routine prophylactic or prolonged use of antibiotics
• Heavy smokers (exceeding ten cigarettes/day or equivalent) and chewing tobacco users
• Pregnancy or childbearing potential with a positive urine pregnancy test
• Insufficient oral hygiene, untreated periodontitis (any residual pockets >4 mm), or persistent intra-oral infection
• Mucosal diseases such as erosive lichen planus
• Patients with severe bruxism or clenching habits
• Unwillingness to participate in the study