LOADING PROTOCOL FOR ENDOSTEAL DENTAL IMPLANT

Prosthetic rehabilitation of missing structures in the oral and maxillofacial region in accordance with Devan''s principle of preservation has been the ultimate challenge to the prosthodontist.Over the years traditional methods of tooth replacement are slowly and steadily being replaced by newer modalities like implants.High success rate of implants and the advantages that go with them have earned them the name of the third dentition.Increasing functional and aesthetic challenges have prompted implantologists to reduce the treatment period by loading the implant immediately at the time of placement.The protocol has yielded encouraging results although they still need to match the time tested II stage procedure by way of success over an extended period of time..The immediate loading of dental implants clearly represents a change in dogma.To load the implant immediately or not to load is indeed the question today and the rationale and principles that go with the protocol warrant discussion.