Clinical performance of immediately placed and immediately loaded single implants in the esthetic zone: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the following PIO question: In adult patients treated with an indication for single tooth extraction in the maxillary esthetic zone (15-25), what is the influence of an immediate implant placement and immediate loading protocol on the clinical performance (primary aim) and esthetic outcomes (secondary aim) focusing on investigations published after 2010.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic search in Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE databases up to April 2022 was performed to identify clinical studies investigating the outcome of single implants subjected to immediate placement with immediate restoration/loading (Type 1A).

RESULTS

Sixty-three studies (10 randomized controlled trials, 28 prospective and 25 retrospective cohort studies) were included with a follow-up ranging from 12 to 96 months. One thousand nine hundred sixty-one implants reported survival rates of 99.2 (98.6-99.5) % at 1 year, 97.5 (95.9-98.4) % after 3 years, and 95.8 (93.3-97.4) % after 5 years; 1064 immediately loaded restorations presented survival rates of 98.9 (97.8-99.5) % after 1 year, 96.8 (93.6-98.4) % after 2 years, and 94.8 (89.6-97.4) % after 5 years. Comparing baseline to 12-month data using the Hedges' g effect size (95% CI), papilla height presented an overall effect size of -0.71 (-1.25, -0.1) mm, midfacial recession change of -0.15 (-0.66, 0.36) mm, and a 0.82 (0.37, 1.28) gain in PES.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate implant placement and immediate loading can be considered a predictable and safe treatment option for single maxillary anterior restorations with adequate survival rates and favorable esthetics outcomes for up to 5 years.

Selection criteria for immediate implant placement and immediate loading for single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to review available evidence for Type 1A (immediate implant placement and immediate loading) of single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted utilizing the databases of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane to identify publications reporting on the outcomes of Type 1A for single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone. The success and survival rates of the included articles were reported, which were further categorized according to the clinical criteria reported in Type 1A. Mean survival rates were univariately compared between risk groups and additionally between studies published before and since 2012 using bias-corrected and study size-weighed bootstrap tests. A study time-correcting meta-analysis was then performed to obtain an overall effect for the study pool.

RESULTS

A total of 3118 publications were identified in the search, with a total of 68 articles included. A mean number of implants per study were 37.2 and mean follow-up was 2.8 years. All the included studies utilizing Type 1A report highly selective inclusion and exclusion criteria. Univariate risk group comparison determined that studies before 2012 report a significantly lower mean survival rate (difference of -1.9 percentage points [PP], 95% CI: [-0.3, -4.0], p = .02), facial gap dimension had an impact on survival rates (+3.1 PP [0.2, 5.3] for width >2 mm, p = .04), as well as presence of endodontic infection (+2.6 PP [0.9, 5.1], p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1A has a high survival rate in studies reporting strict patient and site selection criteria. Further research is required to assess esthetic and functional success with Type 1A treatments.

Three-Dimensional Peri-Implant Tissue Changes in Immediately vs. Early Placed Tapered Implants Restored with Two Different Ceramic Materials-1 Year Results

BACKGROUND

A prospective multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial was performed to digitally analyze tissue volume changes in immediately and early placed implants with simultaneous bone augmentation restored with two different all-ceramic materials.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients received 60 bone-level tapered implants (BLT, Straumann AG) immediately (n = 30) or early placed, 8-10 weeks after tooth extraction, (n = 30). Implants were restored with all-ceramic single crowns fabricated out of zirconia (Lava Plus, 3M), or lithium disilicate (E.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent AG) bonded to titanium base abutments (Variobase for Cerec, Straumann AG). Impressions were taken at baseline (BL), 6 and 12 months, and STL data were used to define an area of interest (AOI) to analyze peri-implant volume changes and midfacial recessions.

RESULTS

For immediate placement, a mean volume loss of -5.56 mm3 (±5.83 mm3) was found at 6 months, and of -6.62 mm3 (±6.56 mm3) at 12 months. For early placement, a mean volume loss of -1.99 mm3 (±5.82 mm3) at 6 months, and of -3.7 mm3 (±5.62 mm3) at 12 months was found. The differences in volume loss at 12 months between the two implant placement protocols were significant (p = 0.005). In both groups, mean midfacial recessions of 0.48 mm (±0.52) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

A more pronounced peri-implant volume loss can be expected 12 months after immediate implant placement compared with early placement.

A full digital workflow to prefabricate an implant-supported interim restoration: case report and a novel technique

This article describes a case with a full digital procedure to prefabricate an implant-supported interim restoration based on the preoperative digital implant planning. A fully guided surgical template is designed and printed, and then an interim restoration is fabricated based on the planned implant position through a dental computer-aided design (CAD) software. Once the implant was placed at the predetermined position through the fully guided surgical guide, the prefabricated interim restoration could be inserted immediately after the surgery, which can guide the healing of the soft tissue and enhance the esthetic outcomes. This novel technique eliminates the conventional impression making to insert an implant-supported interim restoration immediately after the implant placement surgery, which can guide the healing of the soft tissue, minimize the chairside time and optimize the clinical workflow.

CBCT analysis of the tissue thickness at immediate implant placement with contour augmentation in the maxillary anterior zone: a 1-year prospective clinical study

Background

Immediate implant placement with simultaneous contour augmentation such as guided bone regeneration (GBR) or connective tissue grafting (CTG) has been widely performed. However, few prospective studies have evaluated both peri-implant bone and soft tissue changes between the preoperative and postoperative periods. The purpose of this study is to quantify the horizontal dimensional changes of the facial bone and soft tissue following immediate implant placement with contour augmentation.

Material and methods

Twenty patients who underwent immediate implant placement in the anterior maxilla received GBR and CTG (test group) or GBR only (control group). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken preoperatively and 1 year after the definitive prosthesis connection, and then, they were superimposed. On the CBCT images of the two stages, the horizontal distance from the implant platform to the facial bone surface (BW) and the horizontal soft tissue width (GW) were measured at the implant platform level and 2 mm apical to the implant platform level. The sum of BW and GW (=TW) was used to assess the facial mucosal contour.

Results

BW decreased significantly from preoperative to 1 year after prosthesis connection with a mean decrease of 0.47 mm (P =0.021) in the control group and a mean decrease of 0.50 mm (P = 0.019) in the test group at the implant platform level. GW increased significantly with a mean increase of 1.37 mm (P =0.005) in the test group at the implant platform level. TW decreased significantly with a mean decrease of 0.46 mm in the control group (P =0.049) but increased significantly with a mean increase of 0.87 mm in the test group (P =0.005) at the implant platform level.

Conclusions

Immediate implant placement with CTG showed a soft tissue gain of 1.37 mm compensated for bone resorption, thus still preserving the preoperative mucosal contour. CTG should be performed with immediate implant placement in cases where preoperative mucosal contours need to be maintained.

The biotransfer approach: The use of an alveolar cast die for the fabrication of the emergence profile on implant-supported interim restorations

Maintaining natural-looking soft tissues around dental implants is one of the biggest challenges for the restorative team. To achieve this, the emergence profile of the preexisting teeth in the alveolus can be emulated rather than conditioning the soft tissue architecture arbitrarily. The biotransfer technique uses an interim restoration with a biologically driven emergence profile fabricated before the implant surgery.

Facial mucosal level of single immediately placed implants with either immediate provisionalization or delayed restoration: An intermediate-term study

BACKGROUND

Immediately placed single implants with either immediate provisionalization (test) or delayed restoration (control) were followed for up to 1 year in our previous randomized clinical trial. Peri-implant tissues continue to remodel after implants are in function. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the facial mucosal level changes in the intermediate term between the two groups and to study potential factors influencing the mucosal level change.

METHODS

Patients who had already completed the previous clinical trial by receiving a single immediately placed implant were re-invited to this study. The facial mucosal level as well as the other peri-implant hard and soft tissue dimensions and conditions were measured clinically, radiographically and with ultrasound. These data were compared between the test and control implants. The mucosal level change as the function of the final crown contour, measured as the abutment-crown angle (ACA), was estimated with a linear regression model.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (n of test/control = 16/12) with a mean 30-month follow-up were recruited. The mean mucosal level change was -0.38 mm (control) and 0.06 mm (test), without statistical difference between the two groups. The other clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound parameters were not statistically different. ACA was statistically significant associated with the recession (P = 0.02). The estimate effect was 0.25 mm per 10° increase (adjusted R²  = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.49 mm). After adjusting for vertical implant position, implant abutment angle and the group, the effect became borderline significant (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-implant tissues, including the mucosal level change of immediately placed implants with either immediate provisionalization or delayed restoration remained stable and did not differ between the groups in the intermediate term. The final crown angle, influenced by implant position and abutment angle, might be associated with mucosal margin level change.

Aesthetics outcome of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in the anterior maxilla: A case series study

Background. Immediate single implant placement and restoration (IIR) is recognized as a novel method and is the main request of many patients. This study was designed to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in theanterior maxilla.

Methods. In this case series study, 18 patients were selected from two private clinics after placing a single-tooth implant in the anterior maxilla. Immediate provisional crowns were delivered on the following day or at most 48 hours later, and guidelines were provided. The Pink Esthetic Score (PES) questionnaire was used at 6- and 12-month follow-ups to assess aesthetic outcomes. Data were analyzed with single t-test and dependent t-test.

Results. In general, the results showed that the status of the mesial papilla, distal papilla, curve of the facial soft tissue line, level of the facial peri-implant mucosa and root convexity soft tissue in IIR method were optimal (P<0.05), with total PES means of 9.44±0.783 and 8.58±1.003 after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Also, the results showed a significant difference in PES between the 6-month and 12-month intervals (P<0.05).

Conclusion. IIR is a viable method that resulted in optimal aesthetic outcomes based on PES in the short term. Considering its confirmation in this study and previous studies, it is recommended that dentists apply this method.

The treatment dilemma of missing maxillary lateral incisors-Part II: Implant restoration

OBJECTIVE

This second of a two-part series reviews the single dental implant as the most current treatment alternative for replacement of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor. Assessments of dental maturity for implant placement, implant space requirements, surgical and restorative influence on soft tissue profiles, and implant success are reviewed.

OVERVIEW

Recent data indicates that implant success rates are high, and esthetics and soft tissue profiles appear to be stable for maxillary lateral incisor implants. Implant placement should be assessed by dental maturity of the specific patient as opposed to chronological age, and implant spacing should be developed and assessed by all team members.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant replacement of a missing lateral incisor is a predictable treatment mode if implant placement is deferred until dental maturity and then accurately placed in a well-developed site. Treatment involves more complicated planning and execution from team members than other alternatives, but innovations in techniques and materials render it a favorable alternative for lateral incisor replacement.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Implant restoration of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor is surgically and restoratively more complex than space closure or a resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis but demonstrates high success rates and high esthetic potential when team members follow strict treatment protocols.

Soft tissue replication in single unit implant impressions-A three dimensional clinical study

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of soft tissue replication between conventional and digital impressions for definitive single unit implant rehabilitation in the esthetic zone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients were recruited according to inclusion criteria for this cross-over pilot study and submitted to a conventional silicone implant impression with customized coping and a digital impression with an intraoral scanner. Stereolithography files obtained from the same patient were superimposed with appropriate software and trueness evaluated between methods at predetermined locations (56 in hard and soft tissues and 18 in the emergence profile, per patient). Results were presented as mean root mean square (RMS) ± 95% confidence interval and effect size calculated with Hedges' g ± 95%. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis were performed when appropriate and α was set at .05.

RESULTS

Trueness between methods equated to 51.08[45.68;56.47] μm and 60.46[52.29;68.62] μm in hard and soft tissues, respectively. Soft tissue replication by intraoral scanner acquisition corresponded to a statistically significant RMS of 243.89[209.15;278.63] μm equating to a Hedges' g of 1.52[1.22;1.82] which corresponded to a large effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method could be considered for soft tissues assessment and the results suggest that intraoral impression techniques produce statistically significant changes in peri-implant soft tissue replication, although below the clinically detectable threshold.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The proposed technique allows for the 3D determination of peri-implant tissues changes in digital models with higher sensitivity than visual techniques, thus presenting itself as a promising alternative in clinical studies and that the use of an intraoral scanner obtained significant differences in the soft tissue emergence profile replication when compared with the gold standard.

Use of Patient's Own Natural Teeth as Part of the Interim Prosthesis on Immediately Placed Single Implants in a Staged Surgical Approach: A Clinical Report

A technique is described where the tooth's natural crown is used as part of the interim implant supported prosthesis in clinical situations where a tooth with poor prognosis is extracted and an implant is placed immediately after tooth extraction. A preliminary impression is made before tooth extraction, and the exact tooth positioning is assessed in the laboratory as part of the treatment plan. An acrylic resin repositioning jig is fabricated that will guide the clinician in seating and orienting the crown intraorally after implant placement is completed. After the natural tooth is extracted and an implant is immediately placed via guided approach, the extracted natural crown is hollowed and placed on top of an interim abutment. The natural crown is positioned intraorally by using the acrylic resin repositioning jig. The crown is then internally relined and placed as part of the interim implant supported prosthesis. After osseointegration has been confirmed, a definitive prosthesis is placed.

Soft tissue behavior around dental implants placed in fresh extraction sockets and immediately restored in esthetic area: a preliminary short-term evaluation

Abstract Objective To assess the behavior of the peri-implant soft margin after immediate implant placement with immediate function, by (1) direct clinical measurements of peri-implant soft margin height and thickness, (2) measurements of peri-implant soft margin height on photographs and (3) the perception of dental professionals regarding the results considering esthetic parameters. Material and method The study included 8 patients with central or lateral incisors indicated to be extracted. Direct measurements of peri-implant soft margin height and thickness were done immediately before extraction (T0) and 1 (T1), 4 (T2), 8 (T3) and 12 (T4) months after the flapless insertion of the implant. Photographs were taken at the same time intervals. A questionnaire was filled in by implantology professionals regarding their visual perception of color and peri-implant soft margin architecture and harmony in the implant region using the photographs obtained at T4. Result The clinical results showed significant changes to the height of the peri-implant soft margin, but the photographic results did not show significant changes for this measurement. The thickness of the attached gingiva was maintained during all the observation period. Of the professionals interviewed, 35.2% noticed an altered peri-implant soft margin color of the implant region, 39.8% noticed a change in the peri-implant soft margin architecture and 12.5% noticed a change in the peri-implant soft margin harmony. Conclusion The soft tissues around immediate implants changed during this period, but did not affect the aesthetic outcome and in the opinion of professionals, the aesthetic results were satisfactory for these cases.

Gingival biotype revisited-novel classification and assessment tool

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between gingival biotypes and gingival thickness based on probe transparency through the gingival margin and to assess the sensitivity of a novel classification method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty adult Caucasian subjects were stratified by their gingival biotype (GB) as defined by the transparency of a prototype double-ended periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin into "thin" (30 subjects), "moderate" (15 subjects), and "thick" (15 subjects) GB. Three additional parameters were also assessed: gingival thickness (GT), probing depth (PD), and gingival width (GW).

RESULTS

Median GT was 0.43 mm (P _25% 0.32; P _75% 0.58) for thin, 0.74 mm (P _25% 0.58; P _75% 0.81) for moderate, and 0.83 mm (P _25% 0.74; P _75% 0.95) for thick GB, respectively. GT was statistically significant different for thin versus moderate and thin versus thick, respectively (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05; Dunn's test, thin versus moderate: p = 0.002; thin versus thick: p < 0.001; moderate versus thick: p = 0.089). GW was directly correlated with GT (Spearman correlation p < 0.01). The sensitivity of the new classification tool for diagnosing a thin GB was 91.3%. No adverse events or complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

GT differs significantly between the presented GB groups, hence, an alternative classification especially focusing on thin biotypes based on a modified periodontal probe might be advantageous. In addition, the presence of a thick gingiva is associated with a wide band of keratinized tissue.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This clinical setting might to be useful to identify high-risk patients with a very thin biotype and, consequently, higher risk for gingival recession after dental treatments.

Facial bone alterations on maxillary anterior single implants for immediate placement and provisionalization following tooth extraction: a superimposed cone beam computed tomography study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to describe the facial bone changes around single implants for immediate placement and provisionalization following tooth extraction in the maxillary anterior.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data between 2008 and 2013 were collected retrospectively. Superimposed facio-palatal cross-sectional CBCT images for the implants were derived from preoperative and postoperative radiographs via standardized CBCT processes. Horizontal and vertical facial measurements on the implants were identified at preoperative and approximately 1-year postoperative follow-ups. Correlation coefficient for those parameters was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 12 single implants in 12 patients were included in this study. The mean loading period was 13.3 months (range 12-15 months). The median data of preoperative bone thickness 0.54 mm (A), preoperative vertical bone level 1.46 mm (B), postoperative bone thickness 1.77 mm (C), postoperative vertical bone level 1.08 mm (D), horizontal distance from outer surface of preoperative facial bone to implant surface 2.08 mm (E), horizontal gap distance 1.41 mm (E-A), horizontal bone resorption -0.26 mm (E-C), and vertical bone resorption -0.25 mm (B-D) were obtained. The data at the implant platform level (IPL) were selected for the horizontal measurements. Spearman's analysis demonstrated statistically significant correlations between B and D, C and E, E and E-A, and B and E-C (P < 0.01). Significant correlations between C and B, D, and E-A were also found, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate placement and provisionalization of single implants procedure in the maxillary anterior showed excellent outcomes with the small facial bone alterations around the implants. Neither preoperative facial bone thickness nor horizontal gap distance influenced the amount of facial bone resorptions.