CHANGING TRENDS IN IMMEDIATE LOADING OF IMPLANTS

Abstract

The surgical and prosthetic protocols for the successful placement of root form implants were first developed and reported by Branemark et al. Current loading protocol calls for a judicious modification of the conventional protocol by Branemark. Based on bone density, specific protocols have to be followed to ensure implant success. Many authors suggested that submerged healing period is not necessary, if micromovement of implant is within the tolerable limits of bone. Subsequently, several authors reported that root form implants osseointegrate predictably, even if they were exposed to the oral cavity through soft tissue. Immediate loading has the advantage of having less number of surgical steps, reduced pain and chair time. In addition, immediate loading stimulates the Wnt signaling pathways and the biomolecular mechanisms promoting osteoblast differentiation, which in turn leads to bone formation and remodeling.