HEALING TIME COMPARISON BETWEEN IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED DENTAL IMPLANTS

BackgroundThe practice of replacing teeth with dental implants has garnered considerable acceptance. The timing of implant placement, immediate versus delayed, has implications for healing outcomes; however, there remains a clinical controversy regarding which protocol is more beneficial. Examine the postoperative recovery period, healing time, and early bone resorption in the area around the implant site in patients with immediate versus delayed dental implants. MethodsThis observational study was conducted at Bibi Aseefa Dental College, SMBB Medical University, Larkana, from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 63 patients requiring single-tooth implants were enrolled and divided into two groups: immediate implant placement (n = 31) and delayed implant placement (n = 32). Data were collected on demographic variables, implant site, primary stability, and the use of bone grafts. Healing time, pain duration, soft tissue response, implant survival, and marginal bone loss were recorded and statistically compared. ResultsPatients in the immediate implant group demonstrated significantly faster healing (mean: 9.3 ± 1.6 weeks) compared to the delayed group (mean: 12.1 ± 1.9 weeks, p < 0.001). Post-operative pain duration was also shorter among immediate cases (p = 0.006). Although both groups had similar implant survival rates, the immediate group showed less bone loss at three months (p = 0.004), with no significant difference in soft tissue healing. ConclusionImmediate dental implant placement results in shorter healing time and reduced bone loss without compromising implant stability or soft tissue outcomes. When performed under appropriate clinical conditions, immediate placement may offer both functional and esthetic advantages over the delayed approach.