- Immediate loading of dental implants began in the 1960s and involves placing a provisional or definitive restoration on implants on the same day as surgery or within 2 weeks. - Studies have shown immediate loading can achieve high success rates in the anterior mandible with 4 or more implants supporting a fixed bridge or 2 or more implants supporting an overdenture. - Immediate loading may stimulate bone formation and increase bone-implant contact compared to conventional loading after 3-6 months of healing. However, risks are higher with immediate loading and patient factors like bruxism or smoking can affect outcomes.