Immediate Occlusal versus Non-Occlusal Loading of Implants: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study.

Background: Immediate occlusal and non-occlusal loading protocols have been discussed and, despite varying success rates, are considered viable in selected cases. Preoperative implant planning and intraoperative transfer are essential to the success of implant-supported reconstructions in partially or completely edentulous jaws.
Purpose: This study was performed to compare clinical outcomes of immediate occlusal versus non-occlusal loading of posterior implants.
Materials and Methods: Of 19 patients with 52 screw-type implants replacing mandibular molars or premolars, nine patients with 21 implants were randomized to a study group that received immediate restorations with occlusal loading, whereas 10 patients with 31 implants were randomized to a control group that received provisional restorations without occlusal loading. Occlusal loading was defined as full loading in maximum intercuspidation. Single-tooth or splinted multiunit restorations were incorporated by screw retention or cementation. Marginal bone defects (MBD), implant survival, and implant success were evaluated 12 months after insertion.
Results: Both groups revealed similar MBD levels consistent with previous reports. No implants were lost (overall survival: 100%) or found to fail (overall success: 100%). No significant intergroup differences were noted for any of the evaluated parameters.
Conclusions: Immediate restorations in partially edentulous mandibles demonstrated successful clinical and radiographic 12-month results. Larger long-term prospective studies are needed to confirm the final evidence and predictability of immediate functional loading as a standard treatment concept for partially edentulous jaws.
(© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)