Retrospective results of implants for partially edentulous posterior jaws according to time points of early loading.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the survival and success rates and marginal bone loss conditions of early loaded implants in the posterior maxilla and mandible of partially edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants (n = 299) were placed in 105 patients at two research centers. Provisional fixed dental prostheses were provided to the patients between 1 week and 2 months after implant placement. The implants were classified into four groups according to the loading time (1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8 weeks). Periapical radiographs were taken via a parallel imaging technique, and the peri-implant marginal bone level was measured on the radiographic images. RESULTS: Most implants were lost within 1 month, and one implant was removed at 36 days after loading. The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 97.0%. Implants loaded in the maxilla at 1 to 2 weeks after prosthesis insertion had significantly lower survival rates than any other group (P = .013). There were no significant differences in marginal bone levels among the implant groups classified according to loading time. CONCLUSIONS: Early loading is a safe and predictable procedure for implant-supported restoration of posterior partial edentulism. However, care must be taken in early loading within 2 weeks after maxillary implant insertion.