Evaluation of implant stability and bone loss using two different early loading protocols: Clinical study

Abstract

Aim The goal of this study was to evaluate how early loading of dental implants, both functional and non‐functional, can affect the stability of the implants, marginal bone resorption after 1 year of follow‐up. Material and Methods The research sample consisted of 24 implants placed on patients aged between 21 and 62 years (the mean age 51 years). Implants were placed at one surgical stage in the posterior area of the mandible. Then implants were loaded early after 6 weeks of implantation. The sample was divided randomly into two equal main groups according to loading types, 12 implants in the early functional loading (EFL) group and 12 implants in the early non‐functional loading (ENFL) group. The implant stability quotient was registered using Osstell Mentor at the implant placement procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. The mean marginal bone loss around the implants was measured using the periapical radiographs after 3 and 12 months. The mean values were calculated and statistically analysed using the two‐sample t‐test with 95%confidenence interval p < 0.05). Result The mean values of implant stability quotient (ISQ) were 72.91–73.87–76.75 in the EFL and 71.91–73.91–76.66 in the ENFL, at the implant placement procedure and 6, 12 weeks respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups. At the 12‐month post‐loading follow‐up, the mean marginal bone loss was 0.698 for the EFL group and 0.683 for the ENFL group. There was no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups. The implant survival rate was 100% in both groups, and there was no complication during the follow‐up period. Conclusions This study showed that there is no difference in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and bone loss between the early functional loading group and the early non‐functional loading group.