Is there a lower threshold value of bone density for early loading protocols of dental implants?

This clinical study aimed to determine the bone density in dental implant recipient sites using computerized tomography (CT) and to establish a lower threshold value of bone density for early loading protocols. The study group was composed of 100 early loaded implants in 42 patients. A total of four groups were established according to the loading time and implant sites. The bone density of each recipient site for implant placement was determined using CT. The maximum insertion torque values were recorded with torque controlling machine. Implant stability measurements were performed with resonance frequency analyser. The bone density values varied from 528 to 1231 HU. It was found that mean bone density, insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis values were 887 +/- 180 HU, 41.2 +/- 6 Ncm, and 73.7 +/- 4 ISQ, respectively. Strong correlations were found between these three parameters. CT may be a useful tool for assessing the bone density of recipient areas before implant placement, and the early loading of dental implants may be possible in the implant sites where bone density is over 528 HU.