Immediate Versus Delayed Loading of Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdentures: A 60-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

AIM The purpose of this observational, post-trial follow up study, was to evaluate 60-month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial, that compared immediate and delayed loaded two unsplinted implants, supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients from a randomized controlled clinical trial, treated with either immediate or delayed loading of two implants, supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture were recalled for 60-month evaluation. Patients underwent a clinical and radiographic examination to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue parameters and bone. Prosthetic maintenance needs and complications were also recorded. RESULTS Twenty-three of the 30 patients were available for the 60-month follow-up. The mean radiographic bone level change measured using standardized periapical radiographs from baseline to 60 months was 0.89 mm (±0.74) and 0.18 (±0.41) for delayed loading and immediate loading groups respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed at 60-months with a smaller radiographic bone level change in the immediate loading group. No implants were lost between 12 and 60-months. At 60-months, per protocol implant survival rate was 100% for both the groups. No difference was found in the peri-implant soft tissue parameters and prosthetic needs between the groups. CONCLUSION Both immediate and delayed loaded implants supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture showed similar clinical outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.