Clinical and Radiographic Outcome Short-span Fixed Partial Dentures Supported by 2 Immediately Placed Implants in the Anterior Mandible: A Long-term Retrospective Analysis

To report the implant survival rates, clinical, and radiographic outcomes following a duration of over five years in the function of 2 immediately placed implants supported by a short-span fixed partial denture (FPD) in the anterior mandible. 100 individuals with immediately placed 2 implants (n=200) to support a 4-unit FPD in the lateral incisor's region of the mandible for long-term functional life with different loading protocols were chosen for this research. The participants were divided into 3 groups according to loading protocol after implant placement. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), radiographic crestal bone level (CBL) and implant survival rate were evaluated. Three implants failed out of 200. Seven years was the average years that the implants were in function, and the overall survival rate was 98.5%. The mean PI was 24.86 in group I, 24.45 in group ΙΙ, and 24.77 in group ΙΙΙ. Group Λ had a mean BOP of 29.48, group ΙΙ had a mean BOP of 29.03, and group ΙΙΙ had a mean BOP of 29.12. For group Ι, the mean PD was 2.03; for group ΙΙ, it was 2.09; and for group ΙΙΙ, it was 2.11. For group Ι, the mean radiographic CBL was 1.69; for group ΙΙ, it was 1.56; and for group ΙΙΙ, it was 1.57. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups regarding PI, BOP, PD, CBL, and implant survival. Within the limitations of this retrospective study, immediate loading protocol of immediately placed dental implants in the mandibular lateral incisor's region is a reliable dental rehabilitation choice and represents a valid alternative to the traditional delayed loading rehabilitation. Immediate implant placement and immediate loading protocol can be advantageous for both patients and physicians. It can save costs and treatment times, and it might be a good alternative for patients who have high aesthetic standards for their anterior mandible.