Immediate Provisionalization of Single-Tooth Implants in Fresh-Extraction Sites at the Maxillary Esthetic Zone: Up to 6 Years of Follow-Up

Aim: Numerous studies demonstrate successful immediate loading of dental implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival of single-tooth implants immediately placed in fresh extraction sites at the anterior maxilla with immediate infraocclusion-provisional restorations and nonfunctional immediately loading. Methods: A total of 24 implants were placed in 16 patients. The fixed provisional restorations were connected to a prefabricated plastic abutment. Occlusal contacts were avoided. Follow-up starting at implantation day ranged from 24 to 72 months with a mean of 40.7 months. Results: One implant failed 1 month after placement due to the unscrewing of a temporary abutment that resulted in implant overload. Overall implant survival rate resulted in 95.8%. The mean marginal bone loss increased by 0.9 +/- 1.1 mm. starting from implant placement. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, the data indicate that nonfunctional immediate loading of single-tooth implants placed in fresh extraction sites in the anterior maxilla can result in successful implant integration and stable peri-implant conditions up to 6 years. (Implant Dent 2009,18:326-333)