Evaluation of crestal bone loss and stability of immediate functional loading versus immediate non-functional loading of single-mandibular posterior implants: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the crestal bone loss and stability
of single mandibular posterior dental implants placed in immediate functional loading (IFL) and
immediate nonfunctional loading (INFL) during 6 months after placement.
Materials and Methods: Forty single piece root form titanium implants were placed in 20 patients
using IFL and INFL techniques. The change in the level of crestal bone was measured on standardized
digital periapical radiographs using SOPRO imaging software and stability of implants using resonance
frequency analyser taken at the baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The measurements were statistically
analyzed using the independent and paired t-test (P < 0.05, statistically signifi cant).
Results: The mean change in the crestal bone level from baseline to 6 months was signifi cant in
both techniques. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at fi rst and third months were lower
than those at the baseline for both the groups. However, the ISQ values at the sixth month were
similar to baseline for both the groups. The crestal bone changes and the ISQ values when compared
between the groups showed no statistically signifi cant difference.
Conclusion: IFL of dental implants have equivalent results and success rate as that of immediately
provisionalized implants within the limitations of this study.
Key Words: Crestal bone loss, dental implants, immediate loading, implant stability, resonance
frequency analysis