INTRODUCTION: The clinical measurement of implant stability and osseointegration is important to be able to assess success in implant dentistry. It is now possible to measure implant stability at any time during the course of implant treatment and loading.
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the implant stability of both the immediately and the early loaded dental implants in the posterior mandible by resonance frequency analysis using Osstell ISQ.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients were included in this study (n=14). They were divided in two groups; group I (n=7) and group II (n=7). Group I: Seven patients having missing mandibular molars received an implant in the posterior mandible followed by immediate loading of provisional restoration (immediate loading). Group II: Seven patients having missing mandibular molars received an implant in the posterior mandible and the provisional restoration delivered one month post-insertion (early loading). All patients received dentium superline implant system with an SLA (sandblasted and acid etched) surface. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured using resonance frequency analysis by the OsstellTM device (Osstell Mentor) wireless device. The implant stability was measured immediately post-operative and on intervals of 1, 3 and 6 months.
RESULTS: The mean implant stability values in immediate and early loading immediately post-operatively was 69.0±10.71, 61.86±14.22 respectively. There was an increase after 3rd month to be 71.29±2.14, 75.86±3.18 respectively. The implant stability continued to increase after 6th month to be 71.29±4.61, 77.71±1.60 respectively. The increase in implant stability after 3rd and 6th month was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) increased throughout the follow-up period