A Radiographic Evaluation of Peri-implant Bone Level in Immediate and Conventionally Loaded Implants Using Flap and Flapless Techniques.

AIM: The purpose of this research is to compare peri-implant bone level in immediate and conventionally loaded implants using flap and flapless techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were selected and were subjected into four groups. Group A: 10 patients with immediate loading (IL) by raising the flap. Group B: 10 patients with IL without raising the flap. Group C: 10 patients with conventional loading by raising the flap. Group D: 10 patients with conventional loading without raising the flap. RESULTS: It was observed that for most of the flapless techniques with IL cases, the bone loss settled at first thread or just below the implant collar after 6 months. CONCLUSION: It was seen that the crestal bone height was reduced in both flap and flapless techniques by immediate and conventional loading, respectively. On comparing the bone loss, the flapless approach by IL showed statistically significant lesser reduction as determined by radiovisiography. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Postoperative pain was less in the flapless technique as compared to the traditional flap technique. IL minimizes invasiveness, complexity, and also improves acceptance by patients.