Immediate implant placement in extraction wounds: a five-year clinical and radiological, prospective study

Immediate implant placement in dental extraction wounds has been performed since 1989. Later on, it has been considered as an alternative to delayed implant placement. According to many studies, its success rate is comparable to that of delayed implant placement. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine the success rate and the objective state of periimplant tissues after immediate implant placement for a period of five years. Materials and methods: Between October 2008 and June 2009, 140 immediate implants were placed in 115 patients - 60 women and 55 men. This study was conducted with a follow-up of 59.60 months. 54 implants were placed in mandible and 86 in maxilla. 29 implants were placed in frontal area, 33 in premolar area, and 24 in molar area of maxilla, and 15 in premolar area, and 39 in molar area of mandible. Results: After one year, a success rate of 99.14% was observed in maxilla and 100% in mandible. Radiographically and clinically after one year, an insignificant mean bone loss of -0.73 mm was measured. In 28 of the cases, there was an increase in bone level after the fourth year. During recall examinations, stability of gingival contour and interproximal papillae was observed, as well as stable integration of the implants, complete replacement of bone substitute with natural bone, and stable bucco-lingual bone volume. Conclusion: With the technique of immediate implant placement in extraction wounds, very good results were reported five years after implant placement. Reduced treatment time has huge benefits, both for dentist and patient.