IMMEDIATE LOADING OF TITANIUM PLASMA-SPRAYED SCREW-SHAPED IMPLANTS INMAN - A CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL REPORT OF 2 CASES

THIS STUDY REPORTS ON THE histological findings of two immediately loa ded titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants, retrieved for a fracture o f the abutment and for psychological reasons, after 8 and 9 months of loading, respectively. The microscopical analysis showed that mature, compact, cortical bone was present around both implants, with the bone implant contact percentage about 60 to 70%. No fibrous tissue or gaps were present at the interface. No resorption was present in the peri- implant bone. On both implants a few osteoblasts were found positive a t the interface for alkaline phosphatase (ALP); while no cells positiv e for acid phosphatase (ACP) were present. Immediate loading can, perh aps, be used in very selected cases of good bone quality, with implant s that have certain macro- (screw shape) and micro-interlocks (titaniu m plasma-sprayed surface) characteristics. Good results have been repo rted also for non-TPS surface (e.g., machined surface). More data abou t different designs (e.g., cylinders) or coatings (e.g., hydroxyapatit e) are needed before any firm conclusions about immediate loading can be reached.