Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests how well dental implants (artificial tooth roots) heal when crowns (replacement teeth) are fitted early at 4 weeks compared to the usual 3 months. The researchers aim to determine if early loading (placing the crown sooner) affects the implant's healing and stability in the jaw. Suitable candidates for this trial include individuals missing a first molar in their lower jaw, who maintain good oral hygiene, and have no serious health issues like uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important dental advancements.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude people with certain medical conditions and those who have used specific treatments like intravenous bisphosphonates.
What prior data suggests that this dental implant protocol is safe?
Research shows that starting dental implants earlier than usual is generally safe. Studies have found that placing crowns on dental implants about four weeks after insertion can be effective if the implant is positioned correctly and has sufficient bone support. This suggests that implants are typically stable and can withstand chewing stress sooner than traditional methods.
Research also highlights that a technique called PRF, which aids healing, can enhance gum and bone recovery while reducing infection risk. This finding reassures those concerned about complications, indicating that early implant use can be safe and effective.
In summary, whether dental implants are used early or later, they are generally well-tolerated, with few problems reported. This supports the idea that early use is a safe option for patients, provided certain conditions are met.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the trial for early loading of dental implants because it explores how quickly patients can get back to their normal routines with a fully functional tooth. Unlike conventional methods, where crowns are placed around three months after implant placement, this study looks at the possibility of placing crowns just four weeks post-implant. This approach could significantly reduce the waiting time for patients, offering faster restoration of chewing ability and aesthetics. If successful, this method could revolutionize how quickly patients regain full dental function after an implant.
What evidence suggests that early dental implant loading is effective for tissue healing?
This trial will compare two methods of dental crown placement following implant surgery. Studies have shown that the traditional method of placing a dental crown 3 months after the implant, which participants in Group B will receive, achieves a 96% success rate over at least 3 years. In contrast, participants in Group A will receive the crown earlier, at 4 weeks post-implant. Research indicates that early placement carries about twice the risk of failure compared to the traditional method. While both methods can succeed, the traditional approach generally yields better long-term results.15678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Aladdin Alardah, DDS, MS
Principal Investigator
associate professor
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dental implants with either early loading at 4 weeks or conventional loading at 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in marginal bone level using standardized intraoral radiographs
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dental Implant
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Loma Linda University
Lead Sponsor