Immediate Load Dental Implants Proven Successful

Three case studies published in the Journal of Oral Implantology (JOI) showed that immediate-load implants in healthy patients were successful and remained functional after 30 months of follow-up.

CHICAGO — Three case studies published in the Journal of Oral Implantology (JOI) showed that immediate-load implants in healthy patients were successful and remained functional after 30 months of follow-up.

Studies showing long-term results of immediate load implants are scarce, according to JOI, and the successful cases cited in the report, written by a team of Turkish dental researchers, provides new evidence affirming this implant surgical technique.

“For the right patients, immediate implantation has several advantages. They can save time and money from shorter treatment time, and bone loss at the extraction site can be reduced when implants are inserted at the time of extraction,” said Beverly Dunn, DDS, president, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, which publishes JOI.

Dunn cautioned that individuals with advanced periodontal disease, significant bone loss or infections at the extraction site are not candidates for the immediate-load implant option. Other disqualifiers are smoking and poor oral hygiene.

“This research is new evidence validating the benefits of immediate-load implants. Further adoption of this approach may encourage more patients to consider implants for replacing extracted teeth,” said Dunn.

AAID offers a rigorous implant dentistry credentialing program which requires at least 300 hours of post-doctoral instruction in implant dentistry, passing a comprehensive exam, and presenting to a group of examiners successful cases of different types of implants. It is one of the most comprehensive credentialing programs in dentistry.

AAID can help consumers find a local credentialed implant dentist at www.aaid.com. AAID is based in Chicago and has more than 3,500 members. It is the first organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of implant dentistry by supporting research and education to advance comprehensive implant knowledge.