Comparative Evaluation of Survival Rates and Marginal Bone Levels of Nonsplinted Immediately Loaded Interforaminal Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdentures: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with 5-Year Results.

PURPOSE: Τo evaluate and compare the marginal bone loss (MBL), survival rates, and periodontal parameters of immediately loaded implants with either Dolder bar or Locator attachments placed in the interforaminal region of edentulous mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of included 19 patients with edentulous mandibles each received two implants in the interforaminal area of the symphysis. Randomly allocated Dolder bar or Locator attachments were then attached immediately, and both clips and a framework were fastened to the denture by the dental laboratory within 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 28 subjects with 56 implants were treated in accordance with the immediate-loading study protocol. Of these, 9 patients were lost to follow-up; 1 patient reported a serious illness and 8 patients moved and couldn't be reached. The 19 subjects not lost to follow-up (11 women and 8 men; average age: 68 years) were included. Every patient received either two Locator abutments and were assigned to group A (7 patients; 36.8%) or two multiunit abutments and were assigned to group B (12 patients; 63.2%). No implant failure was detected for either group, and therefore the survival rate for both groups was 100% after 5 years. After 5 years without any symptoms, 2 implants from group A and 7 implants from group B showed > 2 mm of MBL, which makes the group A success rate 85.7% and the group B success rate 70.8%. Modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI) did not differ significantly at any of the measurement intervals. However, the modified plaque index (mPI) of group B was significantly higher than group A at the 60-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that either splinting or not splinting the immediately loaded interforaminal implants to retain mandibular overdentures (OVDs) does not affect marginal bone levels after 5 years and immediate loading of nonsplinted implants with Locator attachments can be safely preferred to retain mandibular OVDs.

Influence of Multiple Sterilization on Performance of Titanium Pegs When Measuring Implant Stability With Resonance Frequency Analyses.

This in vitro study was conducted to investigate the repeatability of the implant stability quotients (ISQ) measured with multipegs after numerous sterilizations and to detect the exact time when the readings start to deviate. Multipegs were sterilized with 3 different methods (autoclaved, autoclaved + ultrasonic cleaner, chemical disinfection + autoclaved) and grouped according to the method applied. All specimens were put into the autoclave with sealed packages every time they were sterilized. Each specimen was sterilized 50 times according to the technique described in its group after an ISQ measurement was performed. Results of the 2-way analysis of variance showed that neither the sterilization method nor the cycles, nor their interaction, were statistically significant. A multipeg may be reused multiple times after sterilization procedures and may be more cost-effective than a disposable smartpeg for checking implant stability after confirming these results in further investigations.

Effect of Residual Bone Height and Implant Macro-Design on Primary Stability in Sinus Floor Elevation: An Ex Vivo Study.

The objective was to evaluate the influence of residual bone height (RBH) and implant macro-design on the primary stability (PS) of implants using a simultaneous sinus floor elevation (SFE) and implant insertion model. Fresh bovine rib samples that resembled type-IV density that were confirmed by computerized tomography were prepared to represent 4 groups of varying RBHs (3, 6, 9, 15 mm). To simulate simultaneous implant insertion with SFE, 120 implants in different macro-designs (group R: NobelReplace; group P: NobelParallel; group A: NobelActive, Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) were randomly inserted at RBHs of 3, 6, 9, and 15 mm in each rib. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured immediately after implant insertion. RBH and implant macro-design have an impact on ISQ values (P < .001). ISQ values were the highest with RBH of 15 mm, followed by RBHs of 9, 6, and 3 mm. (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between different implant macro-designs at RBHs of 3 and 15 mm regarding ISQ values (P = .111, P = .551). ISQ values of group P were higher than those of group R and group A at an RBH of 6 mm (P = .049, P = .029). ISQ values were also higher in group P compared to group A at an RBH of 9 mm (P = .006). A higher PS may be expected in sites with higher RBH, regardless of the macro-design. In addition, cylindric implant design may enhance the PS at RBHs of 6 and 9 mm in simultaneous implant insertion with SFE.

Comparison of the Retention of Conventional and Polyvinyl Siloxane Matrix Materials with Different Patrices for Implant-Retained Overdentures: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the retention forces of implant overdenture patrices (ball, bar, and TiSi.snap) to conventional (O-ring, metal housing, and clip) and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS)-based silicone (retention.sil 200, 400, and 600; Mucopren Soft; and GC Reline Soft) matrix materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two implant analogs, in which the patrices were to be placed, were embedded parallel to each other in polyethylene blocks, and the matrices were placed in heatpolymerized acrylic blocks that were fabricated as overdentures. Ten samples were prepared for each attachment type, and 180 samples were obtained from 18 groups. All samples were placed in a chewing simulator for occlusal force application and for insertion and removal of the pieces. Retention measurements were performed with a universal testing device at the initial (10 cycles), simulated first-year (1,825 cycles), and simulated second-year (3,650 cycles) periods, assuming that the patients would insert and remove their overdenture five times daily. RESULTS: Loss of retention occurred in all the attachment systems at the end of 3,650 cycles (P < .05). The PVS matrix materials showed less retention than the O-ring and metal matrices when a ball patrix was used, while they had higher retention than bar clips when the Hader bar patrix was used (P < .05). Among the PVS matrix materials, retention.sil 200 produced the lowest retention values, whereas retention.sil 600 generated the highest. CONCLUSION: PVS matrix materials show higher retention than that achieved by yellow plastic bar matrices. However, these materials exhibit lower retention than with plastic and metal matrices of ball abutments.

Comparison of Marginal Bone Levels Around Tissue-Level Implants with Platform-Matched and Bone-Level Implants with Platform-Switching Connections: 1-Year Results of a Prospective Cohort Study with a Split-Mouth Design.

PURPOSE: This clinical study was conducted to compare the influence of a platform-switched bone-level implant and a platform-matched tissue-level implant on marginal bone loss during the first year after loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Edentulous subjects who applied for two-implant-retained mandibular overdentures and showing sufficient bone volume for implants with 4.3-mm diameter and 12-mm length were enrolled. For standardization reasons, all subjects received a platform-matched tissue-level implant and a platform-switched bone-level implant in the anterior mandible. Since implants from the same manufacturer were used, both implants had identical implant thread designs and surface properties. All subjects received two-implant-retained mandibular overdentures with opposing maxillary complete dentures, and the implants were loaded after 6 weeks. Marginal bone loss was monitored via panoramic radiographs obtained immediately after loading and at the 6- and 12-month recalls after implant loading, and periodontal parameters, such as pocket probing depths, Plaque Index scores, and bleeding on probing, were also measured and recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients received 26 bone-level and 26 tissue-level implants. No statistically significant differences were detected between the bone loss of the two groups for all the measurements (P > .05). Additionally, no significant difference was detected between the measured periodontal parameters of the two groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this prospective clinical study with a follow-up time of 12 months, it can be concluded that the platform-switching bone-level design and the platform-matching tissue-level design show similar bone loss in the anterior edentulous mandible.

A Technique for Salvaging an Existing Four-Implant-Supported Mandibular Fixed Complete Prostheses by Using it as a Surgical Guide after an Implant Failure.

This technique article describes the use of an existing four implant supported fixed complete prosthesis both as a surgical template for reimplantation and for a permanent prosthesis after one of the supporting implants fails. This method offers a reliable and low-cost solution for the patient without the necessity of a new prosthesis.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of oral health impact profile for edentulous subjects.

PURPOSE: The validated translations of the OHIP-EDENT exist in different languages; however, there is no reliable and validated Turkish translation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and to validate the Oral Health Impact Profile in edentulous subjects translated to Turkish (OHIP-EDENT-T). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 104 conventional complete denture wearers (58 women and 46 men, mean age: 61.13 ± 9.43 years). The original English version of OHIPEDENT was translated into Turkish using a forward-backward method and applied to the subjects. The reliability of the OHIP-EDENT-T was evaluated using internal consistency and the test-retest method. Validity was determined as construct and convergent validity. The construct validity of OHIP-EDENT-T was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value for OHIP-EDENT-T was 0.890. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.749 for the OHIP-EDENT-T total score, and ICCs for the subscales ranged from 0.630 (95% CI = 0.501-0.823) to 0.859 (95% CI = 0.531-0.897), indicating good to excellent agreement. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value for sampling adequacy was 0.820 and results of Bartlett's sphericity test indicated statistical significance (χ2=1139.767; df=171, p=0.001). This showed that factorial analysis could be applied to the data set. The three-factor structure of the scale explained 81.1% of the observed variance. The agreement of the three-factor solution was further tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and the fit index was found to be acceptable (chi-square fit test=1.449, RMSEA=0.040, GFI=0.94, CFI=0.93). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that OHIP-EDENT-T is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the quality of life of edentulous patients.

The influence of framework material on stress distribution in maxillary complete-arch fixed prostheses supported by four dental implants: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the stress distribution patterns of four materials used for the framework of All-on-4 prostheses. Following framework materials were evaluated: PEKK, PEEK, titanium, and monolithic zirconia. Bilateral 150 N axial and oblique loads were applied in the first molar region and analyzed using FEA. The highest maximum principal stress and minimum principal stress values in cortical bone were found to appear with PEKK and PEEK frameworks around the posterior dental implants upon oblique loading. The fabrication of frameworks from rigid materials in All-on-4 prostheses reduces stress in dental implants and peri-implant bone when the distal implants are tilted 30°.

Technique for Converting A Fractured Implant Locator Abutment to A Custom Implant Cast Post and Core.

This technique article describes an efficient, cost effective and time saving procedure using the fractured abutment as a custom cast post and core when an overdenture abutment is fractured and attempts to retrieve the fractured segment fail.

Comparison of four-implant-retained overdentures and implant-supported fixed prostheses using the All-on-4 concept in the maxilla in terms of patient satisfaction, quality of life, and marginal bone loss: a 2-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare and assess maxillary edentulous patients treated with four-implant-retained overdentures and with implant-supported fixed prostheses using the All-on-4 concept in terms of patient satisfaction, oral health-related quality of life, and marginal bone loss. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-three patients treated with either maxillary four-implant-retained overdentures (n = 15) or with maxillary implant-supported fixed prosthesis using the All-on-4 concept (n = 18) were compared in terms of patient satisfaction, quality of life, and marginal bone loss. Independent sample t test was used to compare the two groups in terms of satisfaction, OHIP-14 scores, and marginal bone loss. The paired sample t test was used to compare bone loss at different time intervals. The comparison of marginal bone loss with regard to implant location was accomplished with the one-way ANOVA test. P values of < .05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups' OHIP-14 scores (P > .05). When patient satisfaction scores were evaluated, hygiene maintenance (P = .001) and pain scores (P = .001) were significantly higher in the implant-retained overdenture group than in the implant-supported fixed prosthesis group (P < .05). No statistically significant difference was observed between axial and tilted implants at both the 12-month (P = .59) and 24-month (P = .77) follow-up periods in the implant-supported fixed prosthesis group. CONCLUSION: Four-implant-supported fixed prostheses with the All-on-4 concept and four-implant-retained overdentures present similar marginal bone loss and quality of life scores after 2 years of function. However, patients found overdentures easier to clean but more painful in comparison with the fixed prosthesis.

In vitro comparison of trueness of 10 intraoral scanners for implant-supported complete-arch fixed dental prostheses.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Digital scanning systems have become popular, but whether these systems are adequate for complete-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness of 10 different dental intraoral scanners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six implant analogs were installed, and an edentulous mandibular model composed of scannable Type 4 gypsum was scanned with 10 different intraoral scanners (3D Progress, Omnicam, Bluecam, Apollo DI, Planscan, E4D Tech, TRIOS MonoColor Cart, TRIOS Color Cart, TRIOS Color Pod, Lythos), 10 times each after the scan body was placed on the implant abutments. The data obtained were then converted into standard tessellation language format. For the control group, the gypsum model was scanned with an industrial scanner (ATOS Core 80). For trueness, the dental and industrial scanning data packs were analyzed with 3D comparison software. Statistical analyses were performed by using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: When ranked according to their surface superimposition values, the Color POD, Omnicam, Apollo DI, Color Cart, MonoColor Cart, and Bluecam scanners were found within the range of 31 to 45 µm. This group was followed by E4D, 3D Progress, Lythos, and Planscan, which were found within the range of 82 to 344 µm according to the same criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the digital scanners had the necessary performance for the fabrication of complete-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses. However, the possibility of data loss producing artifacts should be considered.

Initial Stability Measurements of Implants Using a New Magnetic Resonance Frequency Analyzer With Titanium Transducers: An Ex Vivo Study.

The establishment of dental implant stability is mandatory for successful osseointegration. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is the most frequently used method for the clinical measurement of implant stability. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of the recently developed RF analyzer Penguin RFA and to compare it with the traditional RF analyzer Osstell ISQ. Sixty implants were inserted into fresh steer vertebrae and pelvis. Implant stability was measured using Penguin RFA by its transducers (multipegs) and Osstell ISQ by its transducers (smartpegs). Additionally, stability was measured by multipegs with Osstell ISQ and by smartpegs with Penguin RFA. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of Penguin RFA were estimated by the intraclass coefficient (ICC). Mean implant stability quotients (ISQs) measured with Osstell ISQ were higher than the ISQs measured with Penguin RFA (P < .05). The intra- and interobserver reliability of Penguin RFA were considered as excellent (ICC > 0.7). For Osstell ISQ, no significance in ISQs was detected between the readings by smartpegs and multipegs (P > .05), while for Penguin RFA ISQs by smartpegs were significantly higher than the ISQs by multipegs (P <.05). The recently developed Penguin RFA is reliable and can be used in clinical practice for the measurement of dental implant stability regardless of the bone type. The multipegs originally manufactured for the Penguin RFA is also compatible with Osstell ISQ.

Evaluation of two interforaminal implants and implant-assisted removable dentures on stress distribution: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: In mandibular edentulism, the treatment option with a two-interforaminal implant-retained bridge and a removable partial denture is rarely evaluated in literature. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the stress distribution of this treatment option by comparing it with traditional treatment options with interforaminal implants in the edentulous mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two interforaminal implants were placed in a formalin-fixed cadaver mandible, and overdentures with three different types of attachments were fabricated: (1) two ball attachments and an overdenture, (2) a Dolder bar and an overdenture, and (3) screw-retained two-implant inter-canine porcelain fused to a metal bridge and an implant-assisted removable denture (IARD) with precision attachments. Three biting conditions were generated for each denture type, and the strains were documented under vertical loading of 100 N. RESULTS: The calculated strain values from measured strains in all measurement sites and loading conditions for the screw-retained two-implant inter-canine porcelain fused to a metal bridge and a cast framework partial denture with precision attachments situation were lower than in the other scenarios (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that an IARD may be a reasonable and valuable alternative to ball attachments or a bar in two interforaminal implants, especially when the patients prefer to be able to show their teeth even when they take out their removable dentures.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of an Edentulous Patient with Microstomia Using Both Digital and Conventional Techniques: A Clinical Report.

This clinical report describes prosthetic rehabilitation applied to an edentulous patient with microstomia. Intraoral scanning was used for preliminary impressions, edentulous models were printed using a 3D printer, custom 2-piece impression trays for definitive impressions were made, and a 2-piece collapsible maxillary and a conventional mandibular denture were fabricated. Intraoral scanning is a useful alternative to conventional impression techniques and can be used safely in patients with microstomia for preliminary impressions.

Is clinical experience important for obtaining the primary stability of dental implants with aggressive threads? An ex vivo study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicians' experience on maintaining the primary stability of implants with aggressive threads belonging to a novel dental implant system. Material and Methods: Three hundred implants with aggressive threads were inserted in fresh bovine ribs mimicking Type IV bone by five clinicians which were classified according to their previous experience of total number of implant insertion. An independent examiner measured the primary stability of all implants after insertion by using resonance frequency analysis (RFA), electronic percussive testing (EPT) and removal torque methods. Results: No significant differences were detected between the stability values measured by the clinicians (p> 0.05) except the Periotest values (PTVs) of the non-experienced clinician. PTVs of the non-experienced clinician were significantly higher than the PTVs of the expert and good clinicians (p<0.05). Significantly higher stability values were detected in the secondary insertion of the non-experienced clinician as compared to her initial insertion values (p<0.05). No significant differences were detected between the first and second measurements of the other clinicians (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this ex-vivo study, it may be concluded that experience does not play an important role in maintaining the stability of implants with aggressive threads

No disponible

The Influence of Implant Shape on Primary Stability of Implants With a Thread Cutting and Forming Design: An Ex Vivo Study.

The design of an implant has a great effect on primary stability. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in primary stability between straight and tapered Neoss ProActive implants in type I and type III bones using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and electronic percussive testing (EPT) methods. Fresh cow vertebrae and pelvis were used as models of type III and type i bone, respectively. Implants of 2 different designs-straight and tapered Neoss ProActive implants with a thread cutting and forming (TCF) design, both 3.5-mm wide and 11-mm long-were placed in both types of bone (n = 60). The primary stability of all implants was measured by an experienced clinician blinded to the study protocol using the EPT and RFA devices. No statistically significant difference was found between the implant stability quotients and the percussive test values of straight and tapered implants in either bone type. Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, it may be concluded that the shape of an implant with a TCF design does not affect primary stability.

The behavior of polyetheretherketone healing abutments when measuring implant stability with electronic percussive testing.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether it is possible to measure implant stability with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) healing abutments using electronic percussive testing (EPT). PURPOSE: To investigate the reliability of the percussive test values (PTVs) measured with PEEK healing abutments and to compare them with the PTVs measured with titanium healing abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty dental implants were inserted into the fresh pelvis belonging to a cow. Titanium healing abutments (2 and 5 mm), PEEK healing abutments (5 mm), and prepable standard titanium abutments (5 mm) were screwed to the implants, respectively, and PTVs were measured by two examiners using a wireless EPT device. Differences in PTVs between different dental implant components were evaluated using Friedman's test with post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bonferroni correction. Inter and intra-observer reliabilities were detected using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) RESULTS: The mean PTVs obtained using the PEEK healing abutments were significantly higher than the mean PTVs obtained using the other abutments for both examiners (P < .01). The ICCs for intra-observer reliability were detected as poor for PEEK healing abutments; and excellent for the other abutment types for both examiners. The ICCs for the inter-observer reliability between the two examiners were poor (0.25) for PEEK healing abutments, and excellent for the 2 and 5 mm titanium healing abutments and for standard abutments (0.82, 0.84 and 0.93, respectively). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it may be concluded that EPT measurements should be avoided using PEEK healing abutments because of the poor reliability.

Limited Evidence Suggests That Zirconia Abutments Generate Less Bleeding on Probing Around Implants Compared to Titanium Abutments.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Effects of modified abutment characteristics on peri-implant soft tissue health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sanz-Martín I, Sanz-Sánchez I, Carrillo de Albornoz A, Figuero E, Sanz M. Clin Oral Implants Res 2018; 29(1):118-29. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Nonprofit foundation: Oral Reconstruction Foundation, Basel, Switzerland. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Evaluation of volumetric wear of abutments on the retention loss of ball attachment systems in implant-retained overdentures: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies evaluating the wear of the male components of the ball attachment systems of implant-retained overdentures. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the volumetric wear patterns four commercially used ball abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight identical polyethylene and acrylic blocks were fabricated and four groups consisting of 12 polyethylene blocks with two implants and 12 acrylic blocks, which were used as overdentures, were generated (two groups with plastic females, one group with gold and one group with titanium females). Every specimen underwent 5000 insertion and removal cycles (~4.5 years) and retention forces were measured. For the evaluation of volumetric wear, all the ball abutments were scanned before and after the 5000 cycles using a three-dimensional scanner and the data were analyzed using the software supplied by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Statistically significant retention force differences were observed between the groups at each cycle (P < .05). Among the four groups, retention force was lowest in the group with titanium females (5.59 ± 2.27) and highest in the group with gold females (43.0 ± 6.3) at the end of 5000 cycles. Statistically significant dimensional changes in the male components were observed between the groups (P < .05). Volumetric losses were 11%-13% in Group I and II, 1% in Group III, and 25% in Group IV. Group III showed significantly lower volumetric wear whereas Group IV showed significantly higher volumetric wear than all the other groups (P < .001). No significance was detected between Group I and II (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations, it can be concluded that although clinical studies are needed to ensure the findings of the present study, due to severe retention loss and volumetric abutment wear, ball attachments with titanium female components should be used with caution.

Clinical Comparison of Screw-Retained and Screwless Morse Taper Implant-Abutment Connections: One-year Postloading Results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the screwless Morse taper implant-abutment connection type, in which the retention screw is totally eliminated, in terms of stability, success, periodontal parameters, and marginal bone levels after 1 year of function by comparing it with a passive fit internal implant-abutment connection, wherein a space exists between the matching components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each edentulous subject received an implant with a screwless Morse taper connection (MT) in the left canine area of the mandible and an implant with a screw-retained implant-abutment connection (SR) in the right canine area of the mandible. All implants were loaded 6 weeks later. All cases were restored with a cemented bar-retained mandibular overdenture opposing a maxillary complete denture. Clinical recalls at 6 months and 12 months postloading were scheduled and the MT and SR implants were compared in terms of success, survival, primary and secondary implant stability, marginal bone loss, soft tissue response, and mechanical complications. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20 subjects were included (10 females, 10 males; average age: 61.60 years) and a total of 40 implants were inserted. No implant failure or technical problem was detected for either MT or SR implants. Marginal bone loss around MT and SR implants did not show any significant differences at 6 weeks after surgery (time of loading) or at 6 months or 12 months postloading (P > .05). Periodontal parameters such as gingival index and probing pocket depth of MT and SR implants likewise did not differ significantly at 6 months and 12 months postloading (P > .05). Primary stability values of MT and SR implants did not differ significantly when measured with the insertion torque device (mean of 68.10 Ncm for MT and 64.20 Ncm for SR implants; P = .564), nor when measured with the electronic percussive testing device (mean of -5.30 for the MT and -5.35 for the SR implants; P = .398). However, MT implants showed lower stability at the time of loading (6 weeks) and 6 months postloading (P = .037 and P = .003, respectively). Stability values did not show any significant differences 12 months postloading (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this clinical study, it can be concluded that implants with screwless Morse taper and passive fit internal connections show comparable technical and biologic results after 1 year of function.