Comparative Evaluation of Crestal Bone Loss around Compression Screw Implants Placed in Healed Sites and Freshly Extracted Sockets

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate crestal bone loss around immediate loading compression screw implants.
 Study Design: A Randomized controlled clinical trial.
 Method: In this randomized study, 15 subjects with 30 edentulous sites in the maxillary and mandibular anterior regions (incisors and canines) willing for replacement were taken into consideration. A total of 14 implants were placed in healed sites and 16 implants were placed in freshly extracted sockets and immediately loaded in both groups. Provisional restoration was delivered on the same day of implant placement. Crestal bone loss was evaluated at baseline (immediately after implant placement), 1 month, and 4 months. The final prosthetic restoration was delivered after 4 months following implant placement.
 Results: No statistically significant difference for crestal bone loss was observed between delayed and immediate implant placement at 4 months interval.
 Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, immediate placement of one-piece implant produced crestal bone loss comparable to delayed placement. The unique design of a one-piece implants eliminates the fixture abutment interface (microgap) and resembles the natural tooth with a seamless transition of the radicular unit to the coronal unit. Therefore, in the maxillary and mandibular anterior regions, one-piece implants with immediate loading can be considered as a viable solution for the replacement of missing teeth with better esthetics.