One hundred and seventy-three IMZ two-stage implants have been clinically and radiologically evaluated for a 5 year period. The implants were placed in the anterior region of the maxillae of 81 patients to replace lost incisors, cuspids and bicuspids. The implants were placed 3 months or later after loss of natural anterior teeth when the resorption was already in an advanced stage. The implants used in this study consisted of titanium coated with hydroxylapatite. The prosthetic restorations placed on the implants consisted of fixed or removable partial dentures and single crowns. The cumulative percentage for implant survival after 3 years, with a mean follow-up of 33.5 (s.d. 17.8) months was 96.1%. Although the prosthetic restorations aesthetically often were a compromise they did prove highly satisfactory to both patients and dentists.