Background: The Target of this study was to evaluate and analyze the changes that occur in the supporting structures of implants placed in the posterior mandibular region using the Immediate Functional Loading Protocol. The bone height of the four implant surfaces; buccal, lingual, distal and mesial were closely observed, measured and statistically analyzed.
Materials and Methods: Thirty implants were placed in ten patients with unmodified mandibular Kennedy Class II. For each patient, three implants were placed at the premolar/molar mandibular region. All the implants were immediately loaded following an Immediate Functional Loading Protocol. Radiographic evaluation using dental CT was carried out at intervals of 0, 12 and 24 months after implant surgery.
Results: Decrease in the bone level throughout the study period in the bucco-lingual surfaces however this decrease was statistically insignificant using paired t test. The same was found regarding the mesio-distal surface throughout the study period
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was found that immediately loaded single implants placed in the posterior mandibular area with high insertion torque is a favorable treatment option. Immediately loading protocol must be carefully done in patients with limited bucco-lingual bone width.