Comparing success of immediate versus delay loading of implants in fresh sockets: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims The replacement of teeth with osseointegrated implants is one of the significant advances in the field of restorative dentistry. The time interval between tooth extraction and the implant can be very short or long. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to collect and evaluate articles related to determining the effect of instant loading of dental implants are placed in the fresh socket initial stability on the clinical success of the implant compared to delay loading dental implants. Materials and methods In this study, all the available articles indexed in leading databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, PROSPERO, and Scopus, were searched. The full text of the articles meeting the primary criteria to be included in this research was obtained and appraised. Data of studies were extracted if they were scored as a high or moderate level of evidence. Results A total of 2258 published articles were found through electronic database searching. After screening the titles and abstracts, and full text of articles, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The results of this study revealed that regarding the success rate, although there was no significant difference between immediate and delayed of dental implants, immediate procedure showed a lower incidence of bone loss in single implants. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, immediate loading of dental implant, under certain conditions, is a successful treatment process and is effective in reducing treatment time. Thus, immediate loading represents a valid alternative to the traditional delayed loading rehabilitation.