Prostheses Removal for Suture Removal after Immediate Load: Success of Implants

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the success of implants after immediate loading in cases when the prostheses were removed for suture removal on the tenth day following implant placement. We describe a technique for fabricating effective definitive prostheses passively fitted to facilitate immediate load in edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: Seventy‐one patients with resin‐metal prostheses installed within less than 48 hours after implant placement were recalled. Patients for whom various amounts of time had elapsed since implant placement returned for follow‐up. Time elapsed ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Stability of the implants was tested after prosthesis removal by horizontal and vertical percussion tests. Implant success was determined as the number of functional implants displaying no mobility. Results: Follow‐up revealed that all implants from each period evaluated were stable, with no mobility (100% of implants success), except for the 1‐year time point (99.5%) and the 2‐year time point (98.9%). No signs of inflammation and/or bleeding were observed. Conclusion: Prosthesis removal for suture removal on the tenth day after implant placement represents a reliable and predictable procedure that did not jeopardize implant stability during bone remodeling.