The influence of early loading on bony crest height and stability in TiUnite implants placed in the anterior mandible during the first 4 months

The aim of this prospective pilot study was to investigate differences in TiUnite dental implant stability and crestal bone height in two patient groups.; Early loading group. Two implants placed in the anterior region of the mandible of 10 patients. They were connected with a Dolder bar within 10 days and placed into function immediately.; Delayed loading group. 21 implants were placed in the anterior region of the mandible of 13 patients using a two-stage procedure with an intervening four month unloaded interval.; Stability was measured with resonance frequency analysis, bone levels were measured with a custom made instrument.; There was no statistical difference between the two treatment groups for changes in stability and bone levels.; Within the limits of this pilot study, early implant loading does not appear to influence bony crest height and stability in TiUnite implants placed in the anterior mandible during the first 4 months.