Implant Loading Protocols & Prosthetics
Loading Timing
- Immediate loading — restoration within ~48 hours (needs good primary stability).
- Early loading — between ~48 hours and 3 months.
- Conventional loading — after ~3-6 months of osseointegration.
Full-arch Concepts
All-on-4 — a full-arch prosthesis on four implants (two anterior axial + two tilted posterior) to avoid grafting and use available bone.
Retention
- Screw-retained — retrievable, no excess cement (risk of peri-implantitis from cement).
- Cement-retained — passive fit/esthetics but cement clean-up is critical.
Exam Tips ⭐
Immediate <48 h; conventional 3-6 months; All-on-4 = 4 implants/arch; screw-retained = retrievable.