The aim of this case series was to assess, over a period of 24 months, the clinical and radiographic outcomes in partially edentulous patients receiving bone-level tapered implants. In total, 33 partially edentulous patients and 50 implants were evaluated. Patients received single or multiple implants in the posterior maxilla. Clinical and radiographic measurements of vertical bone levels were assessed at surgery, at loading, and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The success and survival rates of the implants were also evaluated. Within the 24-month follow-up, only 1 implant failed (2.0%). Other biological or technical complications were not observed. The mean insertion torque was 34 ± 5.3 Ncm. Bone-level changes of 0.35 ± 0.23 mm were found between surgery and 12 months after surgery, and changes of 0.03 ± 0.05 mm were found between 12 months and 24 months after surgery. The overall change from surgery to 24 months after implant placement was 0.38 ± 0.24 mm. Most of the bone loss occurred between surgery and 3 months (0.28 ± 0.19 mm; P < .001); thereafter, the loss was minimal and statistically nonsignificant. Bone-level tapered implants yielded a high survival and success rate with minimal bone-level changes. Tapered implants could be considered as a predictable treatment option for partially edentulous patients with different types of bone qualities and loading protocols.
Keywords: bone level tapered; bone loss; dental implants; partially edentulous.