A Comparative Study Between Early Occlusal Loading at 1 and 6 Weeks in Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures

Purpose: A clinical and a radiographic comparison of periimplant hard and soft tissue changes for the possible effects of early occlusal loading at 1 week versus 6 weeks. Materials and Methods: Twelve edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted implant-retained mandibular overdentures. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, implants were loaded 1 week after surgery, whereas in group II, implants were loaded 6 weeks after surgery. Clinical periimplant parameters and marginal bone height were recorded first day after loading then after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Clinical periimplant soft tissues parameters and marginal bone levels showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups during 12 months. Conclusion: Early loading after 1 and 6 weeks for two unsplinted implants retaining mandibular overdentures does not compromise periimplant soft tissue health and marginal bone levels. (Implant Dent 2012;21:242-247)