CBCT-Based Comparative Evaluation of Immediate and Delayed Implant Loading Protocols

Traditionally, dental implants are placed several months following tooth extraction. Immediate implants, however, are inserted on the same day as extraction, preserving the crestal bone. Immediate loading allows for prosthetic reconstruction within forty eight hours of implant placement. This study aimed to evaluate peri‑implant bone changes, implant stability, and soft‑tissue outcomes in both immediately and delayed placed implants that were immediately loaded. 14 patients participated, with seven in Group A (delayed placement) and seven in Group B (immediate placement). Clinical assessments, including plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth, were recorded at baseline, three months, and six months. Implant stability was measured using a resonance frequency analyzer (implant stability quotient), and crestal bone levels were assessed radiographically with cone‑beam computed tomography preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. No statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the groups for clinical parameters or radiological outcomes at baseline, three months, and six months. However, implant stability quotient and crestal bone loss showed significant differences between the groups at baseline and six months, with Group A exhibiting higher stability and less crestal bone loss than Group B. Delayed implants with immediate loading demonstrated better outcomes than immediate implants with immediate loading.