Radiographic Evaluation of Marginal Bone Loss Following Immediate and Delayed Implantation

Intraosseous implants can be placed using three different techniques: immediate, early, and delayed. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in the marginal bone level around implants after immediate and delayed im-plant placement. In the present prospective cohort study, 26 implants were placed in 26 patients divided into two groups. In group 1, 13 implants were placed immediately, while in group 2, 13 implants were placed with a delay of more than 4 months after tooth extraction. The marginal bone level was measured on periapical radiographs taken using the parallel technique at implant placement time and 6 and 12 months after implantation. The measurements were made using a digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm, and the data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mauchly's sphericity test. The statistical significance was set at P<0.05. The mean distances between the crestal bone and the implant shoulder in group 1 were 1.12 mm, 1.48 mm, and 1.77 mm at implant placement time and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. In group 2, these distances were 1.26 mm, 1.46 mm, and 1.71 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in marginal bone resorption between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in crestal bone loss around implants placed with immediate and delayed techniques.