Immediate single-tooth implant placement may demonstrate comparable outcomes compared to delayed placement.
Prior research has found that compromised alveolar sockets may influence the outcomes of immediate implant placement. As a result, researchers have previously suggested that patients should receive delayed implant placement in combination with bone grafting and/or soft tissue grafting. However, there have been few studies on the outcomes following immediate implant placement in sites with buccal plate defects in the maxillary esthetic region.
In a clinical trial, published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers examined the outcomes in 40 patients who received either immediate implant placement in postextraction sockets with buccal bony defects ≥ 5 mm (n = 20) or conventional treatment with delayed implant placement following alveolar ridge preservation (n = 20) in the esthetic zone. The patients presented with a single failing tooth in the frontal region of the maxillary.
The researchers then evaluated peri-implant soft and hard tissue parameters, esthetic ratings, and patient-reported satisfaction. Second-stage surgery and provisional restoration placement was performed 3 months following implant placement, and subsequent definitive restorations were performed 3 months thereafter in both patient groups.
After a follow-up of 10 years, the researchers found that there were no statistically significant differences in marginal bone level changes, buccal bone thickness, clinical outcomes, esthetics, and patient satisfaction between the two groups. For instance, compared with those in the delayed implant placement group, the mean marginal bone levels changes among the patients in the immediate implant placement group was –0.71 mm ± 0.59 mm vs –0.36 mm ± 0.39 mm.
The findings indicated that immediate implant placement may be an effective treatment option in patients with failing teeth. Because immediate implantation may reduce the treatment duration and number of required procedures, clinicians should consider discussing the benefits of immediate placement with patients during the decision-making process.
A full list of disclosures can be found in the original study.
