Radiologic Evaluation of Marginal Bone Loss in Delayed vs. Immediate Loaded Implants –18 Month Results of a Prospective Comparative Study

Aim: To compare the amount of bone loss (if any) at the mesial and distal sides in delayed and immediate loaded dental implants.
Study Design: Total 20 partially edentulous (anterior region of Maxilla) patients were randomized and equally divided into two groups. Group A received delayed loaded dental implants and group B received immediate loaded dental implants. Both the groups were monitored clinically and radiographically at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months.
Methodology: We included 20 patients (11 men, 09 women; age range 20-48 years) with single or multiple edentulous areas in mouth. Clinical as well as all routine hematological examinations were done. Radiographs were taken sequentially as required for 18 months.
Results: There was no significant statistical difference of bone loss mesially in both the groups at 3 (P=0.99) & 6 (P=0.25) months, but there was significant statistical difference of bone loss mesially seen in both the groups at 12 (P=0.03) & 18 (P=0.01) months. There was no significant statistical difference of distal bone loss in both the groups at 3 (P=0.22), 6 (P=0.38) and 12 (P=0.17) months, but there were significant statistical difference of distal bone loss seen in both the groups at 18 months (P=0.03). The bone loss was found more with the immediate loading type of implants at both mesial and distal sides of implant.
Conclusion: The immediate loading implants may provide a lot of benefits over conventional delayed loading implants but the bone loss at Crestal (Marginal) level is higher as compared to delayed loading implants when seen in maxillary anterior impants which should be considered whenever selecting any particular method of dental implantation.