Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Loss Around Immediate and Delayed Dental Implantation in the Posterior Mandible Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar bone loss is one of the primary determinants of long-term success in dental implant therapy. This study aimed to evaluate and compare alveolar bone loss around immediate and delayed dental implantation in the posterior mandible using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry (KCD), Peshawar, over an 18-month period from July 2022 to December 2023. A total of 82 patients requiring single-tooth implants in the posterior mandible were enrolled and equally assigned to two groups: Immediate Dental Implantation (n = 41) and Delayed Dental Implantation (n = 41). Marginal bone levels on the mesial and distal surfaces were assessed using CBCT at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The mean mesial and distal alveolar bone loss in the immediate group was 1.31 ± 0.33 mm and 1.27 ± 0.32 mm, respectively, whereas in the delayed group it was 0.99 ± 0.28 mm and 1.02 ± 0.29 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of patients in the immediate group experienced moderate to severe bone loss. Insertion torque demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with bone loss (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: Delayed dental implantation in the posterior mandible was associated with significantly reduced alveolar bone loss compared to immediate implantation. These findings support delayed protocols as a more favorable strategy for preserving marginal bone over a 12-month period