Tilted implants in the immediate loading rehabilitation of the maxilla: a systematic review

J Dent Res. 2012 Sep;91(9):821-7. doi: 10.1177/0022034512455802. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Abstract

Tilted implants have been proposed as an alternative to traditional protocols in the rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the outcomes of upright and tilted implants supporting full-arch fixed dentures for the immediate rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae, after at least 1 year of function. An electronic search of databases and a hand search of relevant journals in oral implantology were performed according to PRISMA guidelines through August, 2011. The literature search yielded 1,069 articles. Eleven articles were available for analysis. A total of 1,623 implants (778 tilted, 845 upright) were inserted into the maxillae of 324 patients. Seventeen tilted (2.19%) and 16 upright implants (1.89%) failed during the first year. No significant difference in failure rate was found between tilted and upright implants (p value = 0.52). Marginal bone level results were obtained from 6 studies. A non-significant mean difference between tilted and upright implants was found with regard to bone loss. Tilted implants demonstrated a favorable short-term prognosis in full-arch immediate loading rehabilitations of the maxillae. Randomized long-term trials are needed to better elucidate long-term success of tilted vs. upright-positioned implants.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Alveolar Bone Loss / etiology
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous / methods*
  • Dental Implants / adverse effects
  • Dental Prosthesis Design*
  • Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported*
  • Dental Restoration Failure
  • Humans
  • Immediate Dental Implant Loading*
  • Jaw, Edentulous / rehabilitation*
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Maxilla

Substances

  • Dental Implants