When I took the original dental implant courses given by Dr. Brånemark in 1984, I was very impressed by his research and his methodology. He was adamant about delayed loading at the time, but has since softened his position on the subject. The company that he is associated with markets an immediate load system that he endorses. I have done immediate loading myself and in the right patient, it can be very useful. I prefer delayed loading because I get much better control over my final restoration. I think that dentist who are less experienced in prosthodontic techniques will have a great deal of difficulty in providing an adequate final restoration for their patients.

If you are willing to pay considerably more and take on an additional risk, then immediate load implants may be for you. Otherwise, delayed loading is the route that I would most often advocate...SRD