Immediate versus delayed loading of a new conical connection implant in the esthetic zone: A randomized study with 2-year follow-up

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare immediate versus delayed loading protocol of a new conical connection implant in the esthetic zone. Materials and methods: Patients requiring single-tooth extraction for root fractures or periodontal disease in the maxillary or mandibular anterior or premolar areas were selected for the present study. After extraction, implants were placed immediately in fresh sockets. After randomization process, in group A immediate loading was performed while in group B a delayed loading protocol was followed. In both groups mean marginal bone loss was measured through intraoral digital radiographs at 3, 6, 12 and 24-month follow-up. Results: At 24-month, a survival rate of 100% was reported. For group A a mean marginal bone loss of 0.10 ± 0.09 mm was found, while for group B a value of 0.11 ± 0.08 mm was measured. No statistically significant differences between groups were found at each time point (P>0.05). Conclusion: When used in postextraction immediate and delayed loading implant rehabilitation, the new conical connection implant showed a good clinical outcome at 24-month follow-up.