The role of timing of loading on later marginal bone loss around dental implants: a retrospective clinical study.

The aim of this study was to assess the relation between marginal bone loss (MBL) around dental implants after a loading period of 36 months and the timing of loading. A total of 87 patients with 252 implants were included in the study group. The time span from implant placement to beginning of loading of the implants was evaluated. Delay of loading of implants seems to increase MBL around dental implants as the result of disuse atrophy. Implants next to a tooth on 1 or 2 sides suffered less from MBL. No statistically significant difference in MBL rate was noted between single and splinted implants or between smooth collar and microgeometry neck implants. Results of this study encourage early loading, especially for the mandibular overdenture supporting implants.