The Evaluation of the Relationship between Loading Time and Crestal Bone Loss around Dental Implants at 12 Months...

The evaluation of the relationship between loading time and crestal bone loss around dental implants 12 months after loading was the objective of this study. All clinical and radiological data of patients treated with posterior mandibular implant-supported fixed dentures between January 4, 2013 and January 3, 2018 were retrieved from the archives. Loading time was recorded as the time between dental implant insertion and loading of the implant-supported restoration. The crestal bone levels of distal and mesial aspects of all implants were measured at postloading 12 months control evaluation on panoramic radiographs. Distal and mesial crestal bone loss values were recorded and averaged to obtain one mean value. The relationship between loading time and crestal bone loss was evaluated with statistical analysis. A total of 89 patients and 238 implants were included in the study. The loading time for each implant was recorded between a range of 0 and 401 days. A linear relationship was observed between loading time and crestal bone loss measured at 12 months control evaluation. The crestal bone loss at 12 months control evaluation after loading was significantly increased with the increase in the loading time after dental implantation (p < 0.05). The range of CBL was narrower between 100 and 200 days of loading time. The increase in loading time may cause increased crestal bone loss after 12 months function. Crestal bone loss at 12 months control evaluation is more predictable in dental implants loaded between 3 to 6 months after dental implant placement.