Immediate versus delayed loading of implants in posterior mandible: A CBCT-based one-year comparative study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Implantology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Bone remodeling within the first year post-placement is crucial for long-term dental implant success.
• Marginal bone loss exceeding 1.5 mm can negatively impact implant prognosis.
• Understanding the effects of immediate versus delayed loading on mandibular implants is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare immediate versus delayed loading of single dental implants in the posterior mandible over a one-year period.
• To assess implant survival rates, marginal bone changes, and peri-implant soft-tissue health using CBCT imaging.

Main Methods:

• Forty patients received single implants in the posterior mandible, randomized into immediate or delayed loading groups.
• Outcomes were assessed including implant survival, marginal bone level changes via CBCT, and peri-implant soft-tissue health.
• A one-year follow-up period was utilized for data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Both immediate and delayed loading groups demonstrated a 100% implant survival rate.
• CBCT analysis indicated slightly increased bone remodeling in the immediate loading group, but within clinically acceptable parameters.
• Clinical parameters and peri-implant soft-tissue health were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Immediate dental implant loading is a viable treatment option in the posterior mandible when strict patient selection criteria are applied.
• The observed bone remodeling with immediate loading does not compromise implant prognosis within the first year.
• Both immediate and delayed loading protocols result in high implant survival and comparable clinical outcomes.