Implant placement in maxillary first premolar fresh extraction sockets: Description of technique and report of preliminary results

Background: The postextraction morphology of the maxillary first premolar extraction socket presents a number of challenges to clinicians seeking ideal implant position, including the morphology of the lateral walls of the extraction socket and the presence of the interradicular septum. A technique for simplification of implant placement at the time of maxillary first premolar extraction is described. Methods: Sixty-three implants were placed in maxillary first premolar immediate extraction sockets in 57 patients (36 females and 21 males), utilizing a technique which includes removal of residual interradicular bone prior to preparing the osteotomy, use of the removed interradicular bone in the extraction socket defect surrounding the implant, and swaging of the buccal and palatal osseous plates against the implant. Results: All implants demonstrated clinical stability upon uncovering. Forty-one of the implants placed have been restored and in function for a period of up to 2 years. Conclusions: The technique described affords a simplified and predictable manner for placement of implants into immediate maxillary first premolar extraction sockets. Further studies should be carried out to document long-term success and failure rates of implants placed utilizing this technique, and subsequently restored.