INTRODUCTION: Modern implantology is changing direction towards the development of new implant macrodesigns that are able to provide a high level of physico-mechanical characteristics and can offer a high level of primary implant stability that is important for long-term success of the immediate loading treatment protocols.
OBJECTIVES: Clinical and radiographic evaluation of immediately loaded knife thread implants for the replacement of mandibular single- rooted teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on ten adult patients with missing mandibular single rooted teeth. AnyRidge knife threaded tapered implants were inserted and immediately loaded with a non-occluding temporary crowns immediately after implant placement. After 3 months, final crowns were delivered. All implants were followed for 6 months. Clinically, each patient was evaluated for pain, tenderness or discomfort, presence of swelling or infection and mobility of the implant. Radiographically, standardized periapical x-ray films were taken then Image-J processing Program was used for the assessment of marginal bone level and bone density around the implant.
RESULTS: In only one case moderate pain, peri-implant infection with suppuration and grade III mobility was registered in the first follow up month, that was regarded as a failure case and the implant was removed, resulting in implant survival rates of 90% after six months. There was a statistically significant increase in bone density around the implants throughout the evaluation period. The mean of peri-implant bone loss increased from immediately post-operative to the 3rd month. This increase was statistically significant. Then there was statistically insignificant decrease from the 3rd to the 6th months. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate non-occlusal loading of knife thread implants for the replacement of mandibular single rooted teeth was a successful treatment procedure, with satisfactory clinical outcomes, good survival rate (90%) and a low incidence of complications.