Radiographic Evaluation of The Bone Density Around Tooth-Anchored One-Piece Immediate-Loading Dental Implant

Background: Immediate loading of dental implants has gained attention for its potential to enhance patient satisfaction and reduce treatment time. However, limited data exists on its effects on bone density around tooth-anchored, one-piece compressive implants. This study evaluates the impact of immediate functional loading on bone density changes using radiographic grayscale and texture analysis over one year. Materials and Methods: A total of 68 patients (mean age: 56 ±8.2 years) received 89 distal implants in free-end partial edentulous sites. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for treatment planning, and intra-oral digital radiographs were taken at baseline (T0), six months (T1), and one year (T2). Functional loading began seven days post-implantation using fixed porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) prostheses. Grayscale values and texture parameters, including mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV), were analyzed in regions of interest (ROIs) around the implants. Results: Significant increases in bone density were observed across all ROIs between T0 and T1 and T0 and T2 (P<0.05). Between T1 and T2, differences were less pronounced but still indicated stabilization. Upper ROIs: Significant changes (P<0.05) were observed across all time intervals except CV between T1 and T2 (P>0.05). Lower ROIs: Consistently significant improvements (P<0.05) at all time intervals. Mesial ROIs: Significant differences in SD and CV across all intervals (P<0.05), with notable mean changes between T0 and T2. Distal ROIs: Early significant changes (T0-T1, P<0.05) in SD and CV, with stabilization by T2 (P>0.05). Conclusion: Immediate functional loading enhances bone density, particularly within the first six months, with continued stability over one year, demonstrating its effectiveness for tooth-anchored one-piece compressive dental implants. Keywords: Bone density, Immediate loading, Dental implants, One-piece implants, Radiographic analysis.