Clinical Evaluation of the NobelActive Implant System: A Case Series of 107 Consecutively Placed Implants and a Review of the Implant Features
The purpose of this paper is to (1) introduce the features of this new implant, (2) investigate the clinical benefits as advertised by the manufacturer in comparison with traditional root form implants, and (3) provide guidelines for its use. One hundred seven NobelActive implants were placed in 67 consecutive patients with type I–IV bone within 8 months. Cases also include implants placed in sinus grafts, ridges with insufficient thickness and facial bone loss and were placed with delayed and immediate loading. Parameters were assessed to determine whether we could confirm the manufacturer's statements on this implant system. Results obtained with 107 implants of 3.5, 4.3, and 5 mm diameters with 10- to 15-mm lengths placed in different types of bone with delayed and immediate loading demonstrated a final insertion torque from 15 to 70 Ncm. All types of bone allowed “redirection” of the implant but were limited in the bone with higher density. According to the manufacturer, this new design of the NobelActive implant has high initial stability, bone condensing properties, redirecting capability, built-in platform shifting, and dual-function prosthetic connections. After investigating these 5 statements within the limits of our study, we were able to confirm these claims, but with some recommendations for the clinical use and placement of these implants.Abstract
The new NobelActive design exhibits accentuated threads/wings and narrower core compared to other systems.
The platform-switching concept “shifts” the micro-gap from the bone crest onto the coronal implant surface away from the crest.
Evident platform shifting on peri-apical radiograph.
The wide platform fixture has a diameter of 5.0 mm (at its widest point), but the head of the fixture reverts to 3.9 mm.
Contributor Notes
Tassos Irinakis, DDS, MSc, is the director of Graduate Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He is a clinical associate professor in the Division of Periodontics and maintains private practices in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Calgary, Alberta. He also works as a periodontal surgeon and consultant at Vancouver General Hospital. Address correspondence to Dr Irinakis, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3. (e-mail: irinakis@interchange.ubc.ca) Colin Wiebe, DDS, MSc, maintains a full-time private practice limited to periodontics and implant dentistry in Calgary. He is a part-time associate clinical professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, and at the Foothills Medical Centre and Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta.