Aim
The purpose of this observational, post‐trial follow‐up study was to evaluate 60‐month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial that compared immediately and delayed loaded two unsplinted implants, supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture.
Materials and Methods
Patients from a randomized controlled clinical trial, treated with either immediate or delayed loading of two implants, supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture, were recalled for 60‐month evaluation. Patients underwent a clinical and radiographic examination to evaluate the peri‐implant soft tissue parameters and bone. Prosthetic maintenance needs and complications were also recorded.
Results
Twenty three of the 30 patients were available for the 60‐month follow‐up. The mean radiographic bone level change measured using standardized periapical radiographs from baseline to 60 months was 0.89 mm (±0.74) and 0.18 (±0.41) for delayed loading and immediate loading groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed at 60 months with a smaller radiographic bone level change in the immediate loading group. No implants were lost between 12 and 60 months. At 60 months, per‐protocol implant survival rate was 100% for both the groups. No difference was found in the peri‐implant soft tissue parameters and prosthetic needs between the groups.
Conclusion
Both immediately and delayed loaded implants supporting a locator‐retained mandibular overdenture showed similar clinical outcomes.