RESUMEN
AIMS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical outcomes of two loading protocols involving either immediate or delayed prosthetic temporization of single implants placed at posterior, healed sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients in need of single implants at premolar or molar sites were randomized to receive a temporary crown either immediately after implant placement or 3 months later. Randomization was stratified by sex, implant location (premolar/molar) and arch (maxilla/mandible). Final implant screw-retained zirconia crowns with angulated screw channels were delivered at 5 months after surgery. Radiographic bone levels (primary outcome), peri-implant mucosal margin levels and peri-implant probing depths were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Both treatment arms showed similar patterns of soft tissue and bone re-modelling from the implant platform over 12 months [mean bone level change 1.6 mm (SD 1.0 mm) in the delayed, and 1.2 mm (SD 1.3 mm) in the immediate temporization group], with the majority of changes occurring within the first 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate or delayed temporization of single implants placed at posterior healed sites resulted in largely similar 1-year outcomes with respect to peri-implant bone levels and soft tissue changes.