Tissue integration of one-stage ITI implants: 3-year results of a longitudinal study with hollow-cylinder and hollow-screw implants

Abstract

This study examined the tissue integration of one-stage, nonsubmerged ITI implants over a period of 3 years. Fifty-four implants were placed in 38 partially edentulous patients. Following healing (at least 3 months), all 54 implants were free of peri-implant infections and revealed no detectable mobility. Radiographs showed no signs of peri-implant radiolucencies, and the implants were in favorable positions for prosthetic restoration. Following incorporation of fixed partial dentures, patients were enrolled in a hygiene recall program with 3-month intervals and were examined once a year. Based on predefined criteria, each implant was classified as successful or failing. After the 3-year observation period, 51 of 53 implants (96.2%) were considered successfully integrated. (One patient with one implant dropped out of the study.) Two implants exhibited recurrent peri-implant infections and were classified as late failures. These results indicate that one-stage ITI implants can achieve successful tissue integration on a predictable basis and that it can be maintained over a period of at least 3 years.