Peri-implant Hard and Soft Tissue Changes around Nonsubmerged and Submerged Implants Under Different Loading Conditions: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare hard and soft tissue changes around immediately loaded nonsubmerged, delayed loaded submerged, and delayed loaded nonsubmerged dental implants in partially edentulous arches. Materials and methods: A total of 30 implants were placed in 10 patients such that each patient received implants of three groups [immediately loaded nonsubmerged (group I), delayed loaded submerged (group II), and delayed loaded nonsubmerged (group III)]. The follow-up was done at 2, 4, and 6 months after implant placement. Marginal bone level was assessed by radiovisiography (RVG). The soft tissue changes were evaluated by sulcular bleeding index and probing depths. Data were analyzed statistically using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon test. Results: There was a significant increase in mean marginal bone loss from baseline to 6 months in all three groups of implants. Group I showed more mean marginal bone loss (0.87 ± 0.07 mm) when compared to group II (0.84 ± 0.12 mm) and group III (0.77 ± 0.07 mm). Sulcular bleeding decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months in all three groups. Sulcular bleeding was higher for group I (1.3 ± 0.51) when compared to group II (1.05 ± 0.61) and group III (1.22 ± 0.83). Group III showed (2.82 ± 0.31 mm) higher probing depth than group I (2.30 ± 0.49 mm) and group II (2.55 ± 0.57 mm), but the difference was insignificant. Conclusion: Immediate loaded nonsubmerged implants have more marginal bone loss and sulcular bleeding compared to delayed loaded submerged and nonsubmerged implants. Within the limitations of the study, it is suggested that posterior partial edentulism can be treated using all three techniques, considering other clinical factors. How to cite this article: Kumar A, Gupta RK, Khetan J. Peri-implant Hard and Soft Tissue Changes around Nonsubmerged and Submerged Implants Under Different Loading Conditions: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2024;14(3):153–160.