Introduction: study design and objectives

The study compared immediate and early loading of hydrophilic, bone-level tapered implants in full-arch maxillary rehabilitation. It evaluates how each protocol influences implant stability, oral-health–related quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Twenty-four edentulous maxilla patients are randomly assigned to either immediate loading with a temporary prosthesis or early loading without a temporary prosthesis.

Implant stability and clinical performance

Both loading groups present comparable primary and secondary stability throughout the six-week healing period. Measurements using insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis show no significant difference between protocols. This suggests that hydrophilic implants used with adequate primary stability maintain expected biomechanical performance regardless of loading strategy.

Patient-reported outcomes and clinical implications

Immediate loading provides a clear advantage in patient-centered outcomes. Patients report lower physical pain and psychological discomfort, along with higher scores for function and esthetics. Despite similar stability outcomes, immediate loading enhances overall oral-health–related quality of life and satisfaction over the two-year follow-up. These findings support the use of immediate loading for suitable patients, with future research needed for variable bone conditions and implant numbers.