Immediate Loading Versus Delayed Loading in Single-implant

Evaluation of Immediate Loading Versus Delayed Loading in Single-implant Restorations

The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical study was to compare implant survival, patient satisfaction, and radiographic, clinical, and aesthetic outcomes following immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) of single dental implants after 1,3 and 5 years of follow-up.

Purpose: The objective of the present prospective randomized clinical study was to compare the overall treatment outcome following immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) of single implants after 5 year of follow-up.

Patients with a missing maxillary tooth (15-25) were randomly assigned to IL or DL. The protocol included implant installation in healed sites, immediate loading, delayed loading, temporary screw-retained restoration, and replacement with a permanent single implant crown. Outcome measures were implant survival, marginal bone level, soft tissue changes, papillae index, pink, and white esthetic score (PES and WES), patient judged aesthetics, and oral health impact profile (OHiP-14).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of at least 18 years of age.
• In need of one or more single-tooth replacements.
• The single-tooth replacement needs to be in the anterior maxilla
• Minimum of mesial-distal width of interdental space of 6 mm

Exclusion Criteria:

• General contraindications for oral surgery
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Insufficient bone volume at the recipient site