Comparative analysis of peri - implant bone levels in immediate and delayed implants - a retrospective study

The origin of dental implants goes back to ancient times. Branemark introduced the concept of ‘osseointegrated implants’ and described osseointegration “is the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load- bearing implant.” He recommended the complete healing of the alveolar bone before the placement of a dental implant. Schulte and Heimke in the year 1976 introduced the concept of immediate placement of implants in fresh extraction sockets. Aim & Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the peri implant bone levels in immediate and delayed implants radiographically. Materials and Method: This retrospective study was carried out in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, using the radiographs of 40 patients – 20 immediate implants and 20 – delayed implants. Result: Through this study it was found that immediately placed implants in fresh extraction sockets can give positive results similar to that achieved with the traditional delayed protocol. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to evaluate peri implant bone loss, soft tissue health and success rates would have to be done to substantiate the basis of selection of the best implant protocol for long term success.