Clinical Outcomes After Immediate and Late Implant Loading for a Single Missing Tooth in the Anterior Maxilla

Purpose:This study compared the clinical outcomes of 1-year follow-up of immediate and late implant loading after implant restoration of a single tooth in the anterior maxilla. Materials and Methods:Thirty-three patients with missing teeth in the anterior maxilla were included in this study (18 immediate loading and 15 late loading). Standard periapical radiographs were obtained to evaluate the vertical bone loss around the implant. For both implant groups, periimplant parameters (probing depth, gingival bleeding index, gingival index (GI), modified plaque index, width of keratinized gingiva) were evaluated. Results:There were no significant differences in bone loss, the widths of keratinized gingiva, the GI, and modified plaque index between the immediate implant loading and late implant loading groups (P > 0.05). A significant difference in the probing depth was observed between these groups at the initial and 1-month evaluations (P < 0.05). Significant differences in bleeding indices between these groups were observed at months 3 and 6 (P < 0.05). Conclusions:When selecting appropriate patients (adequate primary stability, patient compliance with the surgeon's recommendations), immediate implant loading may be an alternative method to late loading protocol for replacement of a missing tooth in anterior maxilla.