Immediate loading of dental implants in the edentulous mandible

Background. The authors review the literature regarding immediate implant loading in the anterior edentulous mandible, demonstrate the technique they currently use, review preliminary results and present an illustrative case. Materials and Methods. The authors conducted a literature search using PUBMED and Ovid databases. They considered for review 31 articles in English from 1969 to 2003 that pertained to immediate loading of the anterior mandible. The authors developed a technique to provide a bar-supported prosthesis on the day of surgery. They treated five patients and followed them up for at least six months. The preliminary results are presented. Results: This literature review demonstrated that immediate loading of anterior mandibular implants is an acceptable method, with predictable results. This case series demonstrates the potential for delivering a final bar on the day of surgery, based on the current evidence and clinical application. Conclusions and Practice Implications. The method described provides patients with immediate prosthetic restorations and a decreased treatment time compared with that for the traditional two-stage implant approach.