Implants in fresh extraction sockets: a prospective 5-year follow-up clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the 5-year clinical outcome of the 'immediate implants.'


METHODS
One week after the cementation of the prosthesis, a clinical baseline examination was carried out. Clinical measurements were performed of the following: plaque, mucositis, probing pocket depth, and soft tissue position. The height of the keratinized mucosa was measured at the buccal/lingual aspects. Standardized intra-oral radiographs were taken. The marginal level of bone to implant contact [radiographic (Rx) bone level] was measured, and Rx bone level change over time was evaluated. The clinical/radiographic measurements were repeated on a yearly basis. The subjects were enrolled in a carefully supervised oral hygiene program.


CONCLUSIONS
It was demonstrated that 'immediate implants' that were loaded after 5-7 months had a high success rate. During the 5-year interval, no implant was lost, and the mean Rx bone level at the implants was maintained or even improved. The plaque and mucositis scores were low (<20%) at baseline and at all re-examinations. Implant sites located adjacent to the teeth showed bone gain during the initial period while sites that were facing edentulous zones lost some bone.
Botticelli
Daniele
D
ARDEC Dental Clinic, Ariminum Odontologica, Rimini, Italy. daniele.botticelli@ardec.it
Renzi
Antonio
A
Lindhe
Jan
J
Berglundh
Tord
T
D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome