Immediate Loading of Brånemark Implants in Edentulous Mandibles

Thomas J. Balshi TJB and Glenn J. Wolfinger DMD

A study involving the immediate loading of Brånemark implants in the edentulous mandibles of 10 patients is reported. The design involved the immediate loading of four widely distributed implants with a transitional fixed implant supported prosthesis at first-stage surgery, avoiding the need for a removable prosthesis. A sufficient number of additional implants are allowed to heal in the conventional manner to provide sufficient support for a definitive fixed prosthesis even if all of the immediately loaded implants fail. Preliminary results have been favorable, with all patients functioning with a fixed implant prosthesis from the day of first-stage surgery.

Implant Dent 1997;6:83-88