Implant-retained mandibular overdentures: a comparative pilot study of immediate loading versus delayed loading after...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Fixed restorations for completely edentulous patients face limitations due to anatomical and financial constraints.
• An increasing number of patients require effective treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare immediate loading versus conventional delayed loading of implants for mandibular overdentures in a pilot study.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immediate implant loading protocols.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six subjects received 3 splinted implants in the mandibular symphysis area.
• Experimental group (n=17) experienced immediate loading (2 days post-surgery); control group (n=9) had delayed loading (3 months).
• Clinical parameters assessed over 2 years included periimplant soft tissue health, probing depth, bone resorption, and implant stability.

Main Results:

• No implant failures occurred in either group after 2 years.
• No significant differences were observed between groups in bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth, bone resorption, or resonance frequency analysis at 2 years.
• The delayed loading group showed increased periimplant bone loss and probing depth after 1 year.

Conclusions:

• Immediate loading of 3 splinted implants for mandibular overdentures is a viable option.
• This protocol significantly reduces treatment time for prosthesis insertion.
• Results after 2 years are comparable to the conventional delayed loading approach.