Aesthetic Outcome and Patient Perception of Immediate vs. Delayed Loading of Implant-Supported Single Crowns: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the aesthetic outcome and patient perception of immediate versus DL of implant-supported single crowns. Methods: A total of 60 patients with a single missing tooth were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL). Each group consisted of 30 patients with a total of 30 implants. In the IL group, crowns were loaded onto implants immediately after placement, while in the DL group, a healing period of 3 months was observed before crown placement. Aesthetic outcome was assessed using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) for soft tissue and the White Esthetic Score (WES) for the crown. Patient perception was evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) for satisfaction, comfort, and overall experience. Results: The IL group demonstrated comparable aesthetic outcomes to the DL group, with mean PES and WES scores of 10.2 +/- 1.5 and 8.7 +/- 1.2, respectively, in the IL group, and 10.5 +/- 1.3 and 8.5 +/- 1.4 in the DL group. Patient perception in terms of satisfaction, comfort, and overall experience was similarly high in both groups, with VAS scores above 8 for each parameter. Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial suggests that both IL and DL of implant-supported single crowns result in favorable aesthetic outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction.