Immediate loading of unsplinted posterior single-tooth implants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical response of an therapy that consisted of immediately loaded single-tooth implants in the posterior region of the jaws. Methods: Ankylos® implants were placed in the healed site and the implant post was inserted immediately. A temporary crown was prepared and cemented. The crown occlusion adjustment obtained minimal contacts in maximum intercuspation. After six weeks the implants were restored with a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. The occlusal morphology was identical to natural teeth with built-in contact in maximum intercuspation and physiological cusp inclination. Radiographs were taken at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The Periotest® electronic device was used to monitor oral implant stability from the beginning. Results: Ten patients were recruited and treated in this study. Six implants replaced a first molar and four premolars. Five implants have been inserted in the maxilla and five in the mandibula. The implant length ranged from 9,5 mm to 14 mm, with diameters of 5,5mm (n = 2), 4,5 mm (n = 3) and 3,5 mm (n = 5). The period after immediate loading started between June 2001 and Dezember 2002. During this time there was no bone loss according to the radiographic examinations. Only minor differences in Periotest® measurements occurred starting with primary stability. One implant failure could be seen three weeks after surgery probably caused by intrasulcular impaction of provisional luting cement. Conclusions: Immediate loading of implants with a functional stability from the beginning resulted in osseointegration and bone adaptation to loading. The peri-implant mucosal adaption to anatomic form and the support of the papilla at every time of the treatment resulted in a natural esthetic outcome. External funding: Degussa Dental GmbH, Hanau/ Germany

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