Variable-thread Versus Standard Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth

Background and objectives: Primary and secondary implant stability remain the most relevant and reliable clinical indicator for long-term survival of dental implants. Hence modifications of surface characteristics and implant macro-designs were introduced over the last two decades to enhance osseointegration during the initial phase of healing. In this context, a variable-thread self-cutting implant design was recently introduced to improve primary stability. At present, there are limited number of studies that evaluated this variable-thread implant design. These studies were mostly experimental, of short duration and limited number of participants. Therefore, the aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to compare two implant designs (variable-thread versus standard) in terms of clinical, radiographic and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A total of 24 participants, who require replacement of a posterior single tooth with dental implant, will be randomly allocated to two equal sized groups. In the test group, the participants will receive variable-thread implants, while standard implants will be placed to replace missing teeth in the control group. In addition to evaluating implant stability, the trial will also report on clinical and radiographic implant outcomes at various time points.