Outcomes of flapless immediate implants with low primary stability

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of immediately placed implants with low or no primary stability. Materials and Methods: Sixteen sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched-surfaced implants with low primary stability, defined as an insertion torque value of less than 10 Ncm and an mean initial Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) value of less than 55, were placed in 16 patients (7 males and 9 females) using the flapless surgical approach, with a mean patient age of 48.8 years. Implant stability was measured using the ISQ system (Osstell) immediately after implant placement and at the time of impression taking, which was performed on average 13 weeks later. Results: Excluding six cases where the initial ISQ values could not be measured because of extremely low primary stability, the average initial and final ISQ values were 42.2±7.5 and 68.7±7.6, respectively (P<0.01). The survival rate of the implants was 100% after an average follow-up period of 65.18 months. Conclusion: These findings indicate that even immediately placed implants with low or no primary stability can achieve successful osseointegration and long-term survival.