Immediate Functional Loading of Dental Implants Past, Present, and Future

The first occurrence of immediate loading is already 30 years old. Over the last decades, different clinical studies have been performed that confirm the clinical success of this treatment option, and immediate loading has been developed into an established method of implant prosthetic restoration (especially in the mandible). The main requirements for its success are the implant design, a high primary stability, and the absence of micromovements. Screw-formed dental implants with a tapered implant design and rough surface are the main treatment options. Micromovements may be eliminated via rigid splinting of the mesiostructures, as well as with the use of a soft/liquid diet. In this review article on immediate loading, other factors will be discussed, which may influence the treatment's success. Like in all treatment options, it is important to select the correct clinical indication, to use the procedure with careful treatment planning, and to have adequate experience of clinicians performing such concepts of treatment.