Immediate Single‐Tooth Implant Placement in Bony Defects in the Esthetic Zone: A 1‐Year Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This study aims to assess, with regard to marginal bone level (MBL), whether the outcome of immediate implant placement in bony defects in the esthetic zone was non‐inferior to delayed implant placement after 1 year. Methods: Forty patients with a failing tooth in the esthetic zone and a labial bony defect of ≥5 mm after removal of a tooth were randomly assigned for immediate (n = 20) or delayed (n = 20) implant placement. Second‐stage surgery and provisionalization occurred after 3 months of healing. Follow‐up was at 1 month and 1 year after definitive crown placement. The study was powered to detect a difference in MBL of >0.9 mm. Buccal bone thickness, soft tissue peri‐implant parameters, esthetic indices, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Results: One year after definitive crown placement, MBL loss was 0.56 ± 0.39 mm mesially and 0.74 ± 0.51 mm distally for the immediate placement group and 0.51 ± 0.43 mesially and 0.54 ± 0.45 distally mm for the delayed placement group, respectively (not significant). Regarding differences in means, non‐inferiority was observed after 1 year (difference in mean for immediate versus delayed: mesially 0.04 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) = ?0.22 to 0.30 mm, P = 0.40]; distally 0.21 mm [95% CI = ?0.10 to 0.51 mm, P = 0.58]). No significant differences in the other outcome variables were observed. Conclusions: Immediate implant placement with delayed provisionalization was non‐inferior to delayed implant placement with delayed provisionalization in labial bony defects of ≥5 mm regarding change in MBL. Although not powered for other outcome variables, no clinically relevant differences were observed in these variables.     

Immediate implant placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants

An inevitable loss of soft and hard tissue after tooth extraction often results in a compromised site for anterior implant esthetics in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Immediate implant placement and provisionalization has been a viable option for replacing failing maxillary anterior teeth as it preserves the vertical existing osseous and gingival architecture. With the simultaneous addition of soft‐ and hard‐tissue grafts, the peri‐implant horizontal tissue topography can also be maintained. The esthetic success of immediate implant placement and provisionalization procedures is influenced by a number of factors that can be identified as patient‐dependent or clinician‐dependent. This article describes in detail the process of patient selection, indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment execution required to achieve functional and esthetic success with immediate implant placement and provisionalization.     

Immediate single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla: a 1-year case cohort study on hard and soft tissue response

Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess implant survival rate, hard and soft tissue response and aesthetic outcome 1 year after immediate placement and provisionalization of single-tooth implants in the pre-maxilla. All patients underwent the same strategy, that is mucoperiosteal flap elevation, immediate implant placement, insertion of a grafting material between the implant and the socket wall and the connection of a screw-retained provisional restoration.
Material and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients were treated for single-tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone by means of immediate implant placement and provisionalization. Reasons for tooth loss included caries, periodontitis or trauma. At 6 months, provisional crowns were replaced by the permanent ones. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was completed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to assess implant survival and complications, hard and soft tissue parameters and patient's aesthetic satisfaction.
Results: One implant had failed at 1 month of follow-up, resulting in an implant survival rate of 97%. Radiographic examination yielded 0.98 mm mesial, respectively, 0.78 mm distal bone loss. Midfacial soft tissue recession and mesial/distal papilla shrinkage were 0.53, 0.41and 0.31 mm, respectively. Patient's aesthetic satisfaction was 93%.
Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that the proposed strategy can be considered to be a valuable treatment option in well-selected patients.     

Stability of Contour Augmentation and Esthetic Outcomes of Implant‐Supported Single Crowns in the Esthetic Zone: 3‐Year Results of a Prospective Study With Early Implant Placement Postextraction

Background: Early implant placement is one of the treatment options after tooth extraction. Implant surgery is performed after a healing period of 4 to 8 weeks and combined with a simultaneous contour augmentation using the guided bone regeneration technique to rebuild stable esthetic facial hard‐ and soft‐tissue contours. Methods: In this prospective study, 20 patients were treated with an implant‐born single crown and followed for 3 years. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were recorded to assess treatment outcomes. Results: At the 3‐year examination, all 20 implants were successfully integrated, demonstrating ankylotic stability and healthy peri‐implant soft tissues as documented by standard clinical parameters. Esthetic outcomes were assessed by the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) and confirmed pleasing results overall. WES values were slightly superior to PES values. Periapical radiographs showed minimal crestal bone loss around used bone‐level implants with a mean bone loss of 0.18 mm at 3 years. Only two implants revealed bone loss between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. One of these implants had minor mucosal recession <1.0 mm. Conclusions: This prospective study evaluates the concept of early implant placement and demonstrated successful tissue integration for all 20 implants and stable bone‐crest levels around implant–abutment interfaces according to the platform‐switching concept. The midterm 3‐year follow‐up revealed pleasing esthetic outcomes and stable facial soft tissues. The risk of mucosal recession was low, with only one patient showing minor recession of the facial mucosa. These encouraging results need to be confirmed with a 5‐year follow‐up examination.     

Esthetic outcomes of immediate implant placements

BACKGROUND: Single-rooted teeth deemed not restorable via conventional means may be candidates for implant placement at the time of tooth extraction. Immediate implant placements are believed to preserve soft and hard tissue form and contours, reduce the need for augmentation procedures, minimize surgical exposure of the patient, reduce treatment time and improve esthetic outcomes. METHOD: This retrospective review analyzed the esthetic outcomes of 42 non-adjacent single-unit implant restorations completed using an immediate implant surgical placement protocol. RESULTS: The mean time in function was 18.9 months (range 6-50 months) and the majority of implants placed had a restorative platform diameter of 4.1 and 4.8 mm. A highly significant change in crown height due to marginal tissue recession of 0.9 +/- 0.78 mm (P=0.000) was recorded for all sites, with no difference seen between implant systems (P=0.837). Thin tissue biotype showed slightly greater recession than thick tissue biotype (1 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.57 mm, respectively); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.187). Implants with a buccal shoulder position showed three times more recession than implants with a lingual shoulder position (1.8 +/- 0.83 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.55 mm, respectively) with the difference being highly statistically significant (P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate implant placement requires very careful case selection and high surgical skill levels if esthetic outcomes are to be achieved. Long-term prospective studies on tissue stability and esthetic outcomes are needed.     

Immediate implant placement and provisionalisation in the aesthetic zone

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome of immediate single‐tooth implant placement and provisionalisation in the aesthetic zone regarding hard and soft peri‐implant tissue parameters and patient‐related outcome measures in a private practice. All consecutively treated patients with single‐tooth immediate implant placement and provisionalisation between the period 1 January 2006 and 1 April 2013 in a referral practice in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were included in the study. Fifty‐one patients of a total of 64 could be examined at follow‐up (T_follow‐up). Radiographs were present from implant placement (T_placement), after definitive crown placement (T_definitive), and new radiographs were taken at the follow‐up appointment (T_follow‐up). Next to this, soft tissue parameters, patients’ satisfaction and professionals’ aesthetic scores were measured at T_follow‐up. Implant survival was 96·9% after a mean follow‐up period of 4 years following implant placement. At definitive crown placement, mean marginal bone‐level loss was 0·25 mm (SD 0·19). Mean marginal bone‐level loss following definitive crown placement was 0·06 mm (SD 0·10) (T_definitive to T_follow‐up) after a mean follow‐up period of 4 years. Plaque index, bleeding index and gingival index scores were low. Patients’ satisfaction was rated very high: 9·0 (SD 0·7). Professionals aesthetic score was 16·49 (SD 1·86). From this study can be concluded that immediate placement of implants followed by immediate provisionalisation resulted in a high survival rate, minimum peri‐implant bone loss, very good aesthetics and satisfied patients after a mean follow‐up period of 4 years.     

Single Implant Treatment in Healing versus Healed Sites of the Anterior Maxilla: A Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

Purpose: The aim was to document the Nobelreplace tapered TiUnite® (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden) implant system used by experienced clinicians in daily practice for replacing single maxillary anterior teeth and to compare the clinical and radiographic outcome between implants installed in healing sites (early implant placement) and fully healed sites (conventional implant placement) after on average two and a half years of function. Material and Methods: A cross‐sectional study in patients who had been treated by two periodontists and two prosthodontists in 2006 and 2007 was conducted. Surgical treatment involved standard flap elevation without releasing incisions and restorative procedures included cemented crowns in all patients. Only straightforward single implant treatments in healing sites (6–8 weeks following tooth extraction) and fully‐healed sites (≥6 months following tooth extraction) were considered with both neighboring teeth present and without the need for hard and/or soft tissue grafting. Clinical and radiographic analyses of all implants were performed by a blinded clinician who had not been involved in the treatment. Results: Forty‐nine of the 53 eligible single implants (22 early and 27 conventionally placed implants) in 44/48 patients were available for scrutiny. There was no significant difference in implant survival between early (95%) and conventionally (93%) installed implants (p = 1.000). Mean bone level to the implant‐abutment interface was 1.25 and 1.02 mm for early and conventional implant placement, respectively (p = .220). In spite of fairly low plaque levels (26%), overall peri‐implant bleeding was quite prevalent (36%). Mean peri‐implant probing depth was 3.3 mm. Five restorations had experienced technical complications. Conclusions: Single Nobelreplace tapered TiUnite® implants installed in healing as well as in healed sites of the anterior maxilla are predictable. Both strategies seem equally successful in terms of implant survival, bone remodeling, clinical response, and risk for complications.     

Long‐Term Outcomes of Immediate Implant Placement Into Infected Sockets in Association With Immediate Loading: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: There is a paucity of studies examining long‐term outcomes of immediate loading of dental implants immediately placed into infected sites. This study aims to evaluate long‐term outcomes of immediate loading of postextraction implants placed in infected sites. Methods: Patients were selected if they had postextraction implants in the anterior maxilla that were inserted in the period from December 2006 to June 2015 and immediately loaded. Information collected about patients included: 1) demographic data; 2) implant details; 3) soft tissue stability; and 4) prosthodontics data. Marginal bone loss (BL) and implant and prosthesis survival rates were calculated. Results: Thirty patients (mean age: 56 years) had 43 implants immediately inserted into infected sites and immediately loaded. Implants were inserted at torque ≥35 Ncm. Mean follow‐up time was 6 years (range: 1 to 8 years), and 65% of implants had a follow‐up time >5 years. No implant failure occurred, and implant success rate was 93%. Proximal BL was 1.42 mm (range: 0.21 to 5.61 mm). Three prosthetic complications (all fracture of veneer material) occurred. Conclusions: Immediate loading of implants inserted into fresh and infected extraction sockets is not a risk factor for implant survival. However, stability of peri‐implant soft and hard tissues indicates the need to take measures that minimize loss.     

Immediate maxillary lateral incisor implants with nonocclusal loading provisional crowns.

This clinical report series describes a treatment modality involving immediately placed dental implants in maxillary lateral incisor sites using noncemented immediate provisional crowns retained with calcinable copings (prosthetic complement used in preparing the metal for the definitive prosthesis). Ten implants were placed in eight patients for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisors: two immediate and eight corresponding to cases of agenesis. All were subjected to immediate rehabilitation with provisional acrylic resin crowns in nonocclusal loading. One implant failed 3 weeks after placement due to acute local trauma. The other nine remained functional within the mouth, with normal clinical and radiological characteristics after a minimum of 12-month follow-up. Immediate placement of implant fixed provisional restorations retained by friction in maxillary lateral incisors offers an esthetic solution, eliminates the need for a removable provisional restoration, and avoids implant failures associated with excess cement or screw loosening. Moreover, in the case of extractions, immediate placement and provisionalization of implants in maxillary lateral incisors can effectively optimize the peri-implant esthetic results by maintaining the existing hard and soft tissue architecture of the replaced tooth. As no cement or screws are required, and the provisional crowns are placed in nonocclusal loading, the risk of complications is minimized.     

薄龈生物型患者前牙区的即刻种植即刻修复

目的 评估美学区不翻瓣即刻种植即刻修复+软组织增量技术在薄龈生物型患者中的临床应用效果。方法 选择12例薄龈生物型患者,上颌中切牙或侧切牙无法保留,进行不翻瓣即刻种植、即刻修复,4个月后进行软组织移植,再过3个月后完成最终修复。修复后随访1年,观察种植体周围软硬组织情况,统计种植体存留率、种植体唇侧骨板厚度、种植修复体与邻牙唇侧牙龈的协调性和患者主观满意度。结果 在观察期内,所有种植体均获得了良好的骨整合,存留率100%。CBCT测量,3例种植体唇侧骨板厚度大于1.5 mm,9例大于2 mm。10例种植修复体唇侧龈缘位置与邻牙协调无差异,2例轻度差异;全部12例种植修复体与邻牙牙龈颜色质地协调无差异。患者主观满意度VAS平均值为95。结论 不翻瓣即刻种植即刻修复+软组织增量是针对薄龈生物型患者美学区种植的有效技术,能减少美学并发症,获得稳定的美学效果以及很高的患者满意度。     

Computer-guided implant placement with immediate provisionalization: a case report.

Placement of dental implants in the esthetic zone is challenging for clinicians because of patients exacting esthetic demands and preexisting anatomy. This article presents an option for highly demanding surgical cases with the use of computer-guided implant placement and immediate provisionalization. This technique optimizes implant placement and soft tissue esthetics while providing the patient with an immediate fixed restoration.     

Peri‐implant soft tissue and bone crest alterations at fixed dental prostheses: a 3‐year prospective study

Objectives: The aim of this 3‐year prospective study involving patients receiving implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) was to longitudinally evaluate soft and hard tissue alterations from the time of implant placement. Material and methods: Sixteen subjects with 18 implant‐supported FDPs on 43 implants were included in the study. Peri‐implant soft and hard tissue assessments were performed at implant placement, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Variables describing the peri‐implant soft tissue conditions and topography were assessed by clinical, photographic and study model assessments. Variables of implant position and bone topography were measured in radiographs taken at each examination interval. Multilevel regression models were formulated to identify factors of significance for proximal bone crest alterations and proximal soft tissue height. Results: During the first 6 months after the one‐stage implant placement surgery, the soft tissue margin receded about 0.6 mm at facial implant sites, while a mean increase was observed at tooth‐facing proximal sites (1.1 mm) and no change at inter‐implant sites. Loss in proximal bone crest height was more pronounced at inter‐implant than tooth–implant units at 6 months (0.6 vs. 0.1 mm). Between 6 and 36 months, no further significant soft or hard tissue changes were observed. Multilevel regression analysis revealed that the proximal bone crest level significantly influenced the proximal soft tissue height assessed from the implant/abutment level. Significant predictors for loss in proximal bone crest level over the 3 years were horizontal inter‐unit distance, type of proximal unit (tooth/implant or inter‐implant) and peri‐implant bone‐level change. Conclusions: Soft and hard tissue changes around implant‐supported FDPs took place primarily during the first 6 months after the one‐stage implant installation surgery. The pattern of tissue alterations during the follow‐up differed between tooth–implant and inter‐implant proximal sites. To cite this article:
Chang M, Wennström JL. Peri‐implant soft tissue and bone crest alterations at fixed dental prostheses: a 3‐year prospective study.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 527–534.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01874.x     

Preservation of Existing Soft‐Tissue Contours in the Transition from a Tooth to an Implant Restoration in the Esthetic Zone Using a Flapless Approach: A Clinical Report

Two‐stage placement of a dental implant is a well‐established method for restoring a missing anterior tooth; however, replacement of an anterior tooth by using two‐stage implant surgery may result in changes in the interdental papilla height and loss of alveolar bone with compromised esthetic results. Alternatively, the use of a one‐stage minimally invasive surgical technique followed by immediate provisionalization may facilitate achievement of esthetic and functional success with minimal discomfort and clinical time. This article presents a clinical case with a single anterior tooth replacement, illustrating ridge preservation with healing, delayed implant placement with immediate provisionalization of the implant to support the soft tissue, and a method of recording the soft‐tissue contour in the final impression to achieve an optimal esthetic result.     

Implant treatment of two failing or missing central incisors in the aesthetic region: a treatment protocol and 1-year prospective study

Implant treatment for two central incisors in the maxillary aesthetic region is complex due to concerns regarding inter-implant hard and soft tissue stability. A treatment protocol was therefore developed and implemented in a 1-year prospective case series study involving 16 patients with two failing or missing central incisors in the maxillary aesthetic region. The protocol consists of five options depending on whether teeth are still present (options 1–3) or not (options 4 and 5) and on the amount of bone available at the start of treatment: (1) extraction followed by immediate implant placement and provisionalization, (2) extraction followed by immediate implant placement and delayed provisionalization, (3) extraction followed by ridge preservation, delayed implant placement and immediate provisionalization, (4) delayed implant placement and guided bone regeneration with delayed provisionalization, (5) guided bone regeneration (extensive bone augmentation of the alveolar ridge), delayed implant placement, and delayed provisionalization. The patients were assessed regarding peri-implant hard and soft tissue parameters, aesthetic index score, and patient satisfaction. All treatment options showed good clinical and radiographic results and high patient satisfaction.     

Bilaminar subepithelial connective tissue grafts for immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the esthetic zone

Immediate implant placement and provisionalization has been considered as a preservative procedure when replacing failing teeth, especially in the esthetic zone. Nevertheless, an average facial gingival tissue recession of 1 mm is still common after one year of function. Furthermore, facial gingival recession of thin periodontal biotype seems to be more pronounced than that of thick biotype. Biotype conversion around both natural teeth and implants with subepithelial connective tissue graft has been advocated, and the resulting tissues appear to be more resistant to recession. A technique combining subepithelial connective tissue graft and immediate implant placement and provisionalization is devised to achieve a more stable peri-implant tissue in thin biotype situations. This article describes the surgical and prosthodontic approach of this procedure as well as its clinical rationale.     

Immediate non-occlusal vs. early loading of dental implants in partially edentulous patients: a multicentre randomized clinical trial. Peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels

Objectives: To compare peri‐implant bone and soft‐tissue levels of immediately non‐occlusally loaded vs. non‐submerged early loaded implants in partially edentulous patients up to 14 months after placement. Material and methods: Fifty‐two patients were randomized in five Italian private practices: 25 in the immediately loaded group and 27 in the early loaded group. To be immediately loaded, single implants had to be inserted with a torque of ≥30 N cm, and splinted implants with a torque of ≥20 N cm. Immediately loaded implants were provided with non‐occluding temporary restorations within 48 h. After 2 months, the provisional restorations were placed in full occlusion. Implants were early loaded after 2 months. Final restorations were provided 8 months after placement. Blinded assessors evaluated peri‐implant bone and soft‐tissue levels. Results: Fifty‐two implants were immediately loaded and 52 were early loaded. No drop‐out occurred. One single immediately loaded implant failed 2 months after placement. Both groups gradually lost peri‐implant bone in a highly statistically significant manner at 2, 8, and 14 months. After 14 months, patients of both groups lost an average of 1.1 mm of peri‐implant bone. There were no statistically significant differences between the two loading strategies for peri‐implant bone and soft‐tissue level changes (P>0.05). After 14 months, the position of the soft tissues did not change significantly from baseline (delivery of the final restorations 8 months after placement). Conclusions: There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between immediate and early loading of dental implants with regard to peri‐implant bone and soft‐tissue levels as evaluated in the present study.     

Implant–Buccal Plate Distance as Diagnostic Parameter: A Prospective Cohort Study on Implant Placement in Fresh Extraction Sockets

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate contour changes around immediate implants in fresh extraction sockets when different grafting procedures are performed, based on the distance between the external implant collar and the bony surface on the buccal plate (I‐BP). A secondary aim is to assess the esthetic outcome via the implant esthetic score (IAS). Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed in three centers. Suitable patients to undergo implant placement in fresh extraction sockets were selected. Periodontal biotype, horizontal and vertical peri‐implant bone defects, and dehiscences were assessed. Depending on I‐BP, two types of grafting procedures were performed. In group A (I‐BP <4 mm), only the peri‐implant gap was grafted during the surgical phase (internal grafting [IG]), whereas group B (I‐BP ≥4 mm) received both internal and external grafting (IEG). Master casts of the sites, made before implant placement and after 1 year of loading, were optically scanned. A computerized analysis of the contour changes at the involved sites was performed by superimposing the scanned models. Results: A total of 20 patients (eight males and 12 females) were recruited, and 20 non‐submerged implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets. No implant failed during the observation period. The mean follow‐up was 25 months (range: 12 to 37 months). After 1 year of loading, group A showed a slight decrease in mean buccal volume, whereas group B had an increase in volume (P = 0.02). IAS was higher for group B than group A. Conclusions: When implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction, I‐BP may represent a useful diagnostic parameter in choosing the most appropriate grafting procedure (IG versus IEG). In clinical cases in which the distance between implant surface and the buccal plate is <4 mm, the combination of internal and external grafting (IEG) is recommended to maintain the volume and the contour of the ridge and achieve a successful esthetic outcome.     

Replacement of severely traumatized teeth with immediate implants and immediate loading: literature review and case reports

One of the options for management of severely traumatized dentitions is to provide immediate implant placement with immediate loading. Three representative cases out of 15 patients with 23 traumatized teeth treated to date in our clinic are presented. None had labial bone fractures. The teeth were replaced with NobelReplace Groovy implants (Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) in the fresh sockets immediately after extraction. They were placed toward the palatal areas in the sockets and 3 mm below the gingival margins. If there were gaps between implants and sockets wider than 1 mm, particulate deproteinized bovine bone was grafted in the gaps. Immediately after placement, the implants were loaded with provisional prostheses. The final restorations were installed 3–4 months later. The patients were reevaluated clinically and radiographically 1–3 years after the final restorations had been placed. In all 15 patients, excellent functional and esthetic results were achieved. No implants showed radiolucency, peri‐implant suppuration, or mobility. The patients were satisfied with the results. Immediate implant placement with immediate loading is an option that provides good treatment outcomes and allows good functional and esthetic results, as well as addressing the social/psychological aspects of dental trauma.     

Effects of Currently Available Surgical and Restorative Interventions on Reducing Midfacial Mucosal Recession of Immediately Placed Single‐Tooth Implants: A Systematic Review

Background: Procedures to improve peri‐implant soft‐tissue outcomes of single, immediately placed implants are a topic of interest. This systematic review investigates the effect of various surgical and restorative interventions on implant mid‐buccal mucosal level. Methods: An electronic search of five databases (January 1990 to December 2012) and a manual search of peer‐reviewed journals for relevant articles were performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series with at least nine participants were included, with data on midfacial mucosal recession (MR) of immediately placed implants following various surgical and restorative interventions with a follow‐up period of at least 6 months. Results: Thirty‐six studies, eight RCTs, one cohort study, and 27 case series were eligible. Six interventions were identified and reviewed: 1) palatal/lingual implant position; 2) platform‐switched abutments; 3) flapless approach; 4) bone grafts to fill the gap between buccal plate and fixture; 5) connective tissue grafts; and 6) immediate provisionalization. Three studies consistently showed that palatally/lingually positioned implants had significantly less MR when using tissue‐level implants. Mixed results were reported for interventions 2, 3, 5, and 6. One study was available for intervention 4 and did not show a benefit. Conclusions: Some interventions might be adopted to reduce the amount of MR on implants with the immediate placement approach, as suggested by the included studies, with various levels of evidence. The conflicting results among studies might be a result of differences in patient and site characteristics, e.g., tissue biotype and buccal plate thickness. Therefore, the use of these interventions might be reserved for patients with moderate to high risk of esthetic complications.