Immediate Loading of Palatal Implants in Stillgrowing Patients: a Prospective, Comparative, Clinical Pilot Study

Objective: The objective of this prospective, comparative study was to evaluate the potential of allowing immediate (within 72 hours) loading of palatal implants used for maximum orthodontic anchorage. This is in contrast to the standard protocol calling for a healing period of 12 weeks. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with a mean age of 14.22 ± 1.37 years for whom orthodontic treatment with maxi- mum anchorage was indicated were randomized into two groups. In the SB (immediate loading) group (n = 8, mean age 14.15 ± 1.2 years), the implants were employed to provide maximum an- chorage for a 1.2 × 1.2 mm TPA wire in combination with a molar band within 72 hours of insertion. In the KB (conventional loa- ding) group (n = 8, mean age 14.30 ± 1.57 years), the implants were not used for maximum anchorage until a 12-week healing period had elapsed. Patients in both groups with implants that were clinically unstable after insertion were excluded from the study. After conclusion of the treatment, the implants were ex- planted and embedded using the sawing-grinding technique af- ter Donath. Bone-implant contact (KIK) was analyzed using Bio- quant Osteo software version 7.10.10.