Immediate Occlusal Vs Nonocclusal Loading of Implants: A Randomized Prospective Clinical Pilot Study and Patient Centered Outcome after 36 Months

Background Immediate provisionalization reduces chair time and improves patient comfort. Purpose To analyze immediate functional loading vs nonfunctional loading with restorations in the posterior mandible for marginal bone defects, implant success/survival, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to assess these parameters based on 20 adult patients who underwent implant surgery, followed by immediate delivery of screw-retained or cemented single or splinted restorations in full occlusal contact or in infraocclusion (test and control group). A questionnaire with visual analog scales was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results Following 36-month data were evaluable for 9 patients (21 implants) in the study group (immediate functional loading) and for 10 patients (31 implants) in the control group (immediate nonfunctional loading). One implant in the control group was lost, hence the overall implant survival and success rate was 98.2%. Marginal bone defects were consistent with previous studies and comparable in both groups. Periotest values did not significantly change from baseline and the 12-month follow-up (Friedmann test). Patient satisfaction was high and did not involve any significant intergroup differences (Mann-Whitney U-test). Conclusions Both types of immediate provisional restorations are viable in selected patients. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish immediate functional loading as a standard treatment for partially edentulous jaws.