It was demonstrated that 'immediate implants' that were loaded after 5-7 months had a high success rate. During the 5-year interval, no implant was lost, and the mean Rx bone level at the implants was maintained or even improved. The plaque and mucositis scores were low (<20%) at baseline and at all re-examinations. Implant sites located adjacent to the teeth showed bone gain during the initial period while sites that were facing edentulous zones lost some bone.

Survival rates and radiographic bone levels after 1, 2, and 3 years of observation did not differ between conventionally installed implants loaded immediately or delayed (after 3 months). Moreover, insertion torque values did not affect osseointegration.