PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) on peri-implant crestal bone loss around maxillary implants after long-term functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the outcomes of 110 tapered, multithreaded implants placed for the treatment of one or more missing and/or unsalvageable teeth in the maxilla of 23 patients. Implants were assigned to either the DL or IL database according to loading time. Marginal bone changes were calculated using standardized radiographs taken at implant placement (baseline) and during annual follow-ups. RESULTS: One implant failed in the DL group. After a mean follow-up of 111 months in the DL group and 119 months in the IL group, cumulative implant survival was 99.09% (DL = 98.11%, IL = 100%). No observable bone loss was evident in 83.49% of the surviving implants. Cumulative success rates were 100% for the IL group and 98.11% for the DL group. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately loaded maxillary implants showed long-term results comparable to delayed loaded maxillary implants.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) on peri-implant crestal bone loss around maxillary implants after long-term functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the outcomes of 110 tapered, multithreaded implants placed for the treatment of one or more missing and/or unsalvageable teeth in the maxilla of 23 patients. Implants were assigned to either the DL or IL database according to loading time. Marginal bone changes were calculated using standardized radiographs taken at implant placement (baseline) and during annual follow-ups. RESULTS: One implant failed in the DL group. After a mean follow-up of 111 months in the DL group and 119 months in the IL group, cumulative implant survival was 99.09% (DL = 98.11%, IL = 100%). No observable bone loss was evident in 83.49% of the surviving implants. Cumulative success rates were 100% for the IL group and 98.11% for the DL group. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately loaded maxillary implants showed long-term results comparable to delayed loaded maxillary implants.