Evaluation of Hi-Tec Implant Restoration in Mandibular First Molar Region- A Prospective Clinical Study.

Background And Aims: Missing teeth lead to loss of structural balance, inefficient function, poor aesthetics and psychological effects on human beings, which needs restoration for normal contour, function and aesthetics. Several natural or synthetic substitutes are being used for replacement of missing tooth since centuries. Implants are the latest modality of replacement. So, the study was aimed to assess clinical success rate of Hi-Tec implant; which is economical and new in market. Results of the study will help clinician for appropriate implant selection.

Materials And Methods: The study included 10 patients from 19 to 31 years and needed restoration of missing mandibular first molar. Restoration had done using Hi Tec Single-tooth implants with metal-ceramic single crown prosthesis after three months of osseointegration. The implants were evaluated clinically (bleeding on probing, probing depth, implant mobility- periotest) and radiographically (marginal bone loss and peri-implant radiolucency) for six years. The observers were blinded for the duration of the study to prevent bias.

Results: All the patients had uneventful post-surgical healing. No bleeding on probing, Implant mobility, peri-implant radiolucency with minimal marginal bone loss and constant probing depths were observed well within the normal range during follow-up periods.

Conclusion: Two stage single-tooth Hi Tec implant restoration can be used as a successful treatment modality for replacing mandibular first molar in an economic way. However, these results were obtained after 6 years of follow up with a smaller sample size, so long term multi center studies with a larger sample size is recommended for the predictability of success rate conclusively.