Comparison Of Peri-implant Bone Level Changes In Immediate Implant With Functional Versus Non- Functional Loading In Mandibular Posterior Region

Introduction: Traditionally, teeth that are absent are substituted by partial dentures or by complete dentures. Many prefer a dental implant as it tries to imitate the natural tooth. Though the notion of immediate loading reduced the time of prosthetic treatment, debate arose whether the loading should be functional or non-functional. The objective of this study was to compare the Peri-implant Bone Level (PIBL) deviations in immediate implant placement with instantaneous functional versus non-functional loading in the mandibular posterior region. Material and Methods: Fifty patients were incorporated in the study and distributed by random sampling into two groups of equal members each. Group A had patients in whom implant was placed followed by immediate functional loading. Group B were those who had non-functional loading. After bone implant integration, temporary crowns were replaced with metal ceramic prosthesis. PIBL change (in mm) of each implant was assessed by periapical radiograph which were taken at immediate post op, after one month and then on three and six months follow up. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS v 21.0. Comparison between the groups (Mann Whitney U test), intragroup (Friedman’s) and Wilcoxon Signed rank test for pairwise comparison were done. Results: There was PIBL gain mesially and distally of the implants in both the groups in all time intervals of one, three and six months follow up. Conclusions: To conclude immediate implants restored instantly yielded affirmative result as far as survival of the implants, bone level changes and aesthetics of the soft tissues are concerned irrespective of the type of loading.