Marginal Bone Response Around Immediate- and Delayed-Loading Implants Supporting a Locator-Retained Mandibular...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Implant-supported mandibular overdentures (OVDs) are a standard treatment for edentulous mandibles.
• Limited evidence exists on the outcomes of immediate loading for two unsplinted implants supporting an OVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical performance of two unsplinted implants supporting a Locator-retained mandibular OVD over 12 months.
• To compare immediate loading (IL) versus delayed loading (DL) of these implants.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 participants (15 IL, 15 DL).
• Patients received two implants (4.0 mm diameter, 8-15 mm length).
• Radiographic bone loss (RBL) at 6 and 12 months was the primary outcome; implant survival, maintenance, and complications were also recorded.

Main Results:

• Implant cumulative survival rates were 100% (DL) and 93% (IL) at 12 months.
• Mean RBL at 1 year was significantly less in the IL group (0.25 mm) compared to the DL group (0.54 mm).
• No correlation was found between implant length or insertion torque and RBL; maintenance visits and prosthetic complications were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

• Immediate loading of two unsplinted implants for mandibular OVDs is a viable treatment option.
• Significantly less radiographic bone loss was observed with immediate loading compared to delayed loading after 1 year.
• Implant length and insertion torque did not influence RBL at the 1-year follow-up.