Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background:</bold> The clinical management of partially edentulous patients has fundamentally shifted with the widespread adoption of dental implants. Driven by progressive refinements in implant macro-geometry and surface topographies, current research increasingly focuses on accelerated loading protocols. The primary objective of these shortened timelines is to enhance overall patient rehabilitation without sacrificing long-term clinical predictability. <bold>Methods</bold> : This controlled randomized clinical trial includes placing implants in 22 patients in the posterior region of mandible. The participants were divided randomly into two groups according to the loading timing. The study group had their implants loaded after 1 month while the control group had their implants loaded after 3 months. Implant stability was measured clinically using Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) on the same day of surgery (baseline), 2 weeks, 4 weeks,12 weeks and 24 weeks. Moreover, radiographic evaluation was performed for marginal bone loss and osseointegration assessment at 3 months and 6 months interval. <bold>Results:</bold> Both groups showed gradual increases in stability over time. However, no statistically significant differences were noticed in ISQ values between both groups at any time point (p > 0.05). Marginal bone loss at 3 months showed no significant intergroup difference (p > 0.05). At 6 months, the early loading study group exhibited slightly higher marginal bone loss compared to the control group (p < 0.05), although values remained within clinically acceptable limits (<0.3 mm). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Considering the limits of this retrospective study, we can apply early loading protocol as a predictable treatment modality in posterior missing single restorations in lower jaw, when achieving proper primary stability. <bold>Trial registration</bold> This study was registered retrospectively in Clinicaltrials.gov, with number NCT07551128, dated 18/04/2026. </p>