Immediate dental implant placement with a horizontal gap more than two millimetres: a randomized clinical trial

IMMEDIATE SINGLE IMPLANT PLACEMENT WITH FLAPLESS SURGERY MAY BETTER PRESERVE BUCCAL BONE THAN FLAP SURGERY, BUT CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE IS UNCLEAR

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Immediate implant placement with flap or flapless surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pitman J, Christiaens V, Callens J, Glibert M, Seyssens L, Blanco J, et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2023;50:755-64.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

The present study was funded by the authors and their institutions.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no actual or potential conflicts of interest.

TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

A randomized controlled trial of immediate implant placement comparing hydroxyapatite nano-coated and uncoated sandblasted/acid-etched implants using a digital surgical guide

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the implant stability, volumetric changes, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of hydroxyapatite (HA) nano-coated sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) implants compared to uncoated SLA implants.

METHODS

Forty patients were recruited and randomly allocated to HA nano-coated SLA group (test, n = 20) and uncoated SLA group (control, n = 20) using single-blinded/block randomization. Implants were immediately placed in maxillary posterior region using a digital surgical guide. Insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured at implant surgery and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months postoperatively. Intraoral scans, PROMs and soft tissue inflammation data were collected, and multivariable linear regression analysis of ISQ was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 48 implants (test; n = 24, control; n = 24) in 37 patients (test; n = 19, control; n = 18) were analyzed. Despite no significant between-group difference at surgery, the test group showed higher ISQ values than the control group at 2 (76.53 ± 4.17 vs. 71.32 ± 4.79, p < 0.01), 3 (77.45 ± 4.41 vs. 73.85 ± 4.69, p < 0.05), and 4 months (79.08 ± 2.96 vs. 73.43 ± 3.52, p < 0.0001) postoperatively. There were no significant differences in linear and volumetric changes, PROMs, and soft tissue inflammation analysis between two groups. The ISQ at implant surgery was influenced by age and diabetes mellitus (DM) at the implant level and DM and predicted total bone-to-implant contact area at the patient level.

CONCLUSION

HA nano-coated SLA implants promoted favorable immediate implants stability during early osseointegration phase compared to uncoated SLA implants, but displayed similar dimensional changes, PROMs, and soft tissue inflammation outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0006364. Registered 21 July 2021, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=24221&search_page=L .

Flapless early implant placement into the uncalcified provisional matrix-Does it lead to osseointegration of the implant? A preclinical study

AIM

To test whether early implant placement into the extraction socket containing an uncalcified provisional matrix leads to successful osseointegration and stable marginal bone levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In six mongrel dogs, the mandibular molars were extracted. Three weeks later, early implant placement was performed according to three experimental protocols: (i) flapless implant placement with preservation of the provisional matrix; (ii) flap elevation, socket debridement and implant placement; and (iii) flap elevation, socket debridement, implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR). One untreated extraction socket served as a control group. Data analyses were based on histologic slides 3 months after implant placement.

RESULTS

There were no differences in bone-to-implant contact between the three experimental groups (66.97%, 58.89% and 60.89%, respectively) (inter-group comparison p = .42). Marginal bone levels, first bone-to-implant contact as well as the thickness of the connective tissue did not reveal any significant differences between the groups (p = .85, .60 and .65, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Flapless early implant placement into posterior extraction sockets was as effective as an open flap approach in conjunction with GBR. Mineralization of the socket seems to occur irrespective of the presence of dental implants or biomaterials.

Comprehensive analysis of the maxillary esthetic zone for immediate implant placement using cone beam computed tomography: A study of 352 maxillary images

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Previous studies have examined the maxillary esthetic zone for immediate implant placement, but these studies had small sample sizes and did not investigate multiple parameters.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the sagittal root position (SRP), alveolar bone concavity, labial bone perforation (LBP), and tooth-ridge angle in the maxillary anterior teeth region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 352 CBCT images of patients (180 men and 172 women) who visited the dental hospital between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. The sample included 2112 anterior maxillary teeth. SRP, alveolar bone concavity, tooth ridge angle, and LBP were assessed using virtual implant simulation. The data were analyzed by using chi-squared and kappa tests to analyze distributions and agreement, respectively, dependent and independent t-tests to assess sex and tooth-specific differences, and the Spearman correlation test to explore potential correlations (α<.05).

RESULTS

The CBCT images revealed that the majority of SRP were in Class I (85.4%), with smaller percentages in Class II (12.5%) and Class IV (2.3%); Class III was the least common (1%). The canine exhibited the most significant alveolar bone concavity angle average (149.14 ±6.35 degrees), followed by the lateral incisor (142.32 ±8.7 degrees). The canines had the highest occurrence of LBP (63.1%) (P<.01). Women had a higher frequency of labial bone perforation and deeper alveolar bone concavities than men (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that careful assessment and planning are necessary for immediate implant placement in the maxillary anterior region. The significant occurrence of LBP highlights the importance of thorough planning and evaluation to avoid surgical mishaps and complications which may necessitate bone grafting and result in added costs and time. Special attention should be given to women and the canine area.

IMMEDIATE IMPLANT PLACEMENT WITH A SIMULTANEOUS BONE AUGMENTATION OF THE GAP-FILLING SITES CAN POTENTIALLY DECREASE BONE LOSS COMPARED WITH AUGMENTED SITES EXHIBITING GAPS WITH BONY DEFECTS

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Marginal bone level change of immediately restored implants with simultaneous guided bone regeneration: A systematic review. Lin, X., Yu, X., Wang, F., & Wu, Y. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research 2023.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS), Grant/Award Number: 2019-I2M- 5-037; Clinical Research Plan of SHDC, Grant/Award Number: SHDC2020CR3049B; Huangpu District Industrial Support Fund, Grant/Award Number: XK2020014; Research Discipline Fund, Grant/Award Number: KQYJXK2020.

TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN

Systematic review.

Bone formation in large/moderate gap after immediate implantation in response to different treatments: a pre-clinical study in the canine posterior mandible

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate different treatments on new bone formation around immediate implants in the canine posterior mandible with varying sized mesial-distal gap.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 4th premolar and the 1st molar of six Labrador dogs were extracted from the mandible, and 4 dental implants were placed 1 mm below the level of the buccal bone crest. Moderate/large mesial-distal gaps between the implants and the sockets were treated with one of four methods and divided into the following groups: (1) the blank group, (2) the collagen membrane (CM) group, (3) the deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) group, and (4) the DBBM + CM group. Sequential fluorescent labeling was performed at 4, 8, and 10 weeks after the operation. After 12 weeks, the dogs were euthanized, and specimens were collected for micro-CT scanning and histological analysis.

RESULTS

The survival rate of immediate implant was 100%. Micro-CT showed significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BVF) among groups (P = 0.040, P = 0.009); other indicators were not significantly different among groups. Histological analysis showed the proportion of new bone formation and bone-to-implant contact were not significantly different among groups. No significant difference in bone reduction height around dental implant among four groups and varied mesial-distal gap size.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the restricted sample size, this pilot study lacks conclusive findings. Within the limitation, this study demonstrated that although DBBM significantly increase BMD and BVF, the use of DBBM/CM didn't significantly improve bone formation and healing in extraction sockets around the implants in both moderate and large mesial-distal gap.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of deproteinized bovine bone in conjunction with collagen is a common practice in immediate implantation procedures in the posterior mandible. However, there is a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the timing and circumstances under which they should be employed.

The Use of Tissue Grafts Associated with Immediate Implant Placement to Achieve Better Peri-Implant Stability and Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The goal of this systematic study and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of hard and/or soft tissue grafts associated with type-1 implants on healing and treatment outcomes. The primary outcomes studied were implant survival rate, pocket depth, marginal peri-implant recession, bone loss, bone thickness (volumetric change), interproximal bone level, mesial and distal papilla migration, and radiographic evaluation; and the secondary parameters were Pink Esthetic Score (PES), vertical distance from implant shoulder and bone, Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ), and biological complications (fistulas, pain, mucositis, and peri-implantitis). Methods: The PICO strategy was used to formulate the hypothesis under study: "For patients who underwent extraction and immediate implant placement, what is the efficacy of using any type of graft (bone or soft tissue) compared to non-grafting regarding the peri-implant parameters?" The electronic search process was performed on the MedLine/PubMed and Cochrane databases. It included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the last 11 years (from 2012 to November 2023), which were identified and analyzed. Results: Nine RCTs (κ = 0.98) were selected (403 patients and 425 implants); they were divided into three groups: bone graft (75 patients and 75 implants inserted), bone graft and membrane (213 patients and 235 implants inserted), and without bone graft (115 patients and 115 implants inserted). Three studies calculated the mid-facial mucosa level and two reported better results when a connective tissue graft was combined with the xenograft, whereas another study found better results in the combination of a dual-zone technique with a xenograft. Three studies evaluated the total Pink Esthetic Score (PES) at 12 months, where the authors found no significant difference in using a xenogeneic graft with or without a membrane. In the same period, the facial bone thickness was assessed in two articles; the authors reported better results in graft-treated and flapless groups. The risk-of-bias assessment found four studies with low risk, four with moderate risk, and one with a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a medium level of heterogeneity for the mid-facial mucosa level analysis (I2 = 46%) and an overall effect size of 0.79 (95% CI [0.18; 1.40]), a statistically significant results (p = 0.01), with a tendency to favor the experimental group. Also, there was a medium level of heterogeneity among studies regarding total PES (I2 = 45%), with no significant differences between studies (p = 0.91). Homogeneous results (I2 = 0%) were found among studies analyzing facial bone thickness, favoring the experimental group; the forest plot showed an effect of 0.37 (95% CI [0.25; 0.50]), which was statistically significant (p < 0.00001) for this parameter. Conclusions: Then, it was possible to conclude that using bone and soft tissue grafting techniques associated with immediate implant placement (IIP), even though they are not fundamental, was a valuable resource to prevent significant tissue reduction, reaching greater bone stability and higher levels in the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS).

Single Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Literature Review

The absence of teeth, known as edentulism, poses considerable obstacles in prosthodontic care and greatly affects a person's well-being. Conventional complete dentures frequently lead to problems like instability and insufficient retention, especially in the lower jaw. Fortunately, the introduction of dental implants has transformed the way we approach edentulous patients, as they now offer support and enhanced retention for removable prostheses, thus revolutionizing their treatment. While a consensus exists on using two implants for retaining mandibular overdentures, the associated cost may be prohibitive for economically disadvantaged individuals. As a solution, the concept of single implant-retained mandibular overdentures has emerged, catering to individuals with limited financial resources and complete tooth loss. This review explores the efficacy and suitability of the single implant overdenture approach, along with an overview of treatment options for edentulous patients, including traditional dentures, tooth-supported overdentures, and implant-supported overdentures. The preservation of bone, improvements in functional abilities, and psychological benefits associated with overdentures are discussed. Moreover, various classifications and prosthetic options for implant overdentures, specifically for mandibular cases, are presented. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of possible treatment options and focus on the single implant-retained mandibular overdenture approach and its implications in prosthodontic rehabilitation for edentulous patients.

Comparison between platelet rich fibrin as space filling material versus xenograft and alloplastic bone grafting materials in immediate implant placement: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different gap filling materials in immediate implant in anterior and premolar regions of maxilla.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six implants were inserted in patients seeking for replacement of non-restorable maxillary anterior and premolar teeth (esthetic zone) by immediate implant. Patients were randomly distributed into three equal groups, twelve implants in each group. Group 1 received Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) into the jumping distance, Group 2 received Xenograft into the jumping distance and Group 3 received Alloplastic bone grafting material into the jumping distance. Implant stability by measuring the changes in Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA), peri-implant pocket depth, marginal bone loss and changes in buccal bone thickness were evaluated during follow up periods. All the clinical and radiographic data were subjected to statistical analysis by One Way ANOVA test and the Post Hoc Tukey test.

RESULTS

This study involved 19 female patients and 17 male patients who received 36 dental implants. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding implant stability, peri-implant pocket depth and palatal bone loss, while there was a significant difference between PRF Group (Group 1) and the other Groups regarding buccal bone loss and changes in buccal bone thickness.

CONCLUSION

PRF can be used as a gap filling material in conjunction with immediate implant placement, but other bone grafting materials give superior result regarding buccal bone loss and changes in buccal bone thickness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was listed on www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov with registration number (NCT05878392) on 26/05/2023. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, approved the current study in compliance with the seventh revision of the Helsinki Declaration in 2013 (A0103023OS).

Critical review on bone grafting during immediate implant placement

In the last 20 years, immediate implant placement has been proposed as a predictable protocol to replace failing teeth. The research conducted in preclinical and clinical studies have focused on soft and hard tissue changes following tooth extraction and immediate implant placement. Different approaches for hard and soft tissue grafting together with provisional restorations have been proposed to compensate tissue alterations. This review analyzed some relevant clinical and preclinical literature focusing on the impact of bone grafting procedures on immediate implant placement in terms of hard and soft tissue changes, aesthetic results, and patient-related outcomes.

Evaluation of Implant Placement Risk Levels in Partially Edentulous Patients Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the implant placement risk levels in partially edentulous patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and implant planning software.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 101 CBCT scans of partially edentulous patients were included. Evaluations of jawbone anatomy, vital structures' proximity, and the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury with esthetic considerations were done on CBCT images using implant surgery software (Blue Sky Plan 4; Blue Sky Bio, Grayslake, IL).

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients with 106 edentulous sites were examined. The mean ridge height of the non-esthetic zone was 10 mm and 14.4 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. The period of edentulousness significantly affected the risk of placing implants in the non-esthetic zone (P<.05). The relation between gender and mandibular canal identification was significant (P<.01). A higher risk of implant placement is associated with a more extended period of edentulousness. The preoperative assessment revealed that the mandibular canal could be identified more easily in females than males; thus, nerve injury could be avoided. However, age had no associated effect.

CONCLUSION

Age has no associated effect on the implant placement risk levels for partially edentulous patients during dental implant planning. A higher risk of implant placement is associated with a more extended period of edentulousness. Mandibular canal identification during virtual preoperative assessment was higher in females.

Volume assessment of the external contour around immediate implant with or without immediate tooth-like crown provisionalization: A digital intraoral scans study

PURPOSES

To examine differences between immediate and delayed dental implant loading in maxillary aesthetic areas.

METHODS

In this retrospective controlled analysis, 43 subjects who underwent immediate placement of the dental implant in a post-extraction socket were ranked into either immediate (24 implants loaded with non-occlusal tooth-like profile provisional prostheses fabricated by virtual diagnostic impressions and an in-office dental milling machine) or delayed group (19 implants loaded with conventional cover screws and secondary intention healing). Intraoperatively and then four months later, scans of the external layers were acquired with an optical scanner. The width of the alveolar crest and Jemt papilla index were acquired. Non-parametric tests were applied with a level of significance set at p < 0.01.

RESULTS

In both groups, the volumes and areas showed significant reductions from the baseline to the 4-month survey. Reductions in volume appeared to be statistically different between the two groups (-39±31 mm3 for the immediate and 89 ± 30 mm3 for the delayed group). The final Jemt papilla index appeared significantly different between the immediate (mesial, 2.5 and, distal, 3) and delayed groups (2 for both aspects).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate provisionalization significantly reduced volume loss and area shrinkage at the external layer when data were compared to a delayed rehabilitation strategy.

Five-year outcomes of immediate implant placement for mandibular molars with and without chronic apical periodontitis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Most physicians consider molars with chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) lesions as contraindications for immediate implant placement. At the patient’s request, we perform immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP in clinical practice.

AIM

To retrospectively analyze and compare the 5-year outcomes of immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP and those without obvious inflammation.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from June 2015 to June 2017 were collected. The patients were divided into CAP (n = 52) and no-CAP (n = 45) groups. Changes in bone mineral density and bone mass around implants were analyzed 5 years after implant restoration.

RESULTS

At 5 years after implantation, the peri-implant bone mineral density was 528.2 ± 78.8 Hounsfield unit (HU) in the CAP group and 562.6 ± 82.9 HU in the no-CAP group (P = 0.126). Marginal bone resorption around implants did not differ significantly between the two groups, including buccal (P = 0.268) or lingual (P = 0.526) resorption in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.428) or lingual (P = 0.560) resorption in the horizontal direction. Changes in the peri-implant jump space did not differ significantly between the two groups, including the buccal (P = 0.247) or lingual (P = 0.604) space in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.527) or lingual (P = 0.707) space in the horizontal direction. The gray value of cone-beam computed tomography measured using Image J software can reflect the bone mineral density. In the CAP area, the gray values of the bone tissue immediately and 5 years after implant placement differed significantly from those of the surrounding bone tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP can achieve satisfactory 5-year clinical results, without significant differences in the complications, survival rate, or bone tissue condition from the no-CAP mandibular molars.

Five-year outcomes of immediate implant placement for mandibular molars with and without chronic apical periodontitis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Most physicians consider molars with chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) lesions as contraindications for immediate implant placement. At the patient's request, we perform immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP in clinical practice.

AIM

To retrospectively analyze and compare the 5-year outcomes of immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP and those without obvious inflammation.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from June 2015 to June 2017 were collected. The patients were divided into CAP (n = 52) and no-CAP (n = 45) groups. Changes in bone mineral density and bone mass around implants were analyzed 5 years after implant restoration.

RESULTS

At 5 years after implantation, the peri-implant bone mineral density was 528.2 ± 78.8 Hounsfield unit (HU) in the CAP group and 562.6 ± 82.9 HU in the no-CAP group (P = 0.126). Marginal bone resorption around implants did not differ significantly between the two groups, including buccal (P = 0.268) or lingual (P = 0.526) resorption in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.428) or lingual (P = 0.560) resorption in the horizontal direction. Changes in the peri-implant jump space did not differ significantly between the two groups, including the buccal (P = 0.247) or lingual (P = 0.604) space in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.527) or lingual (P = 0.707) space in the horizontal direction. The gray value of cone-beam computed tomography measured using Image J software can reflect the bone mineral density. In the CAP area, the gray values of the bone tissue immediately and 5 years after implant placement differed significantly from those of the surrounding bone tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP can achieve satisfactory 5-year clinical results, without significant differences in the complications, survival rate, or bone tissue condition from the no-CAP mandibular molars.

A novel technique for socket-shield preparation used in conjunction with immediate implant placement. A case report

The socket-shield technique is considered one of the best treatment modalities that reduce the amount of facial bone loss and gingival recession following tooth extraction. However, the difficulty in preparing the shield by partial tooth extraction makes it technique-sensitive and limits its use. This case report presents a 29-year-old medically fit male patient with a destructed non-vital lateral incisor. It was planned for immediate implant placement in conjunction with the socket-shield technique. The shield was prepared in a new technique using a nickel–titanium endodontic file, which was repeatedly adjusted to increase the diameter of the canal gradually. The canal was enlarged to reach a sufficient diameter to perform root separation safely. Following the shield preparation, immediate implant placement was preformed, and screw-retained temporary crown was done.

A novel technique for socket-shield preparation used in conjunction with immediate implant placement. A case report

The socket-shield technique is considered one of the best treatment modalities that reduce the amount of facial bone loss and gingival recession following tooth extraction. However, the difficulty in preparing the shield by partial tooth extraction makes it technique-sensitive and limits its use. This case report presents a 29-year-old medically fit male patient with a destructed non-vital lateral incisor. It was planned for immediate implant placement in conjunction with the socket-shield technique. The shield was prepared in a new technique using a nickel-titanium endodontic file, which was repeatedly adjusted to increase the diameter of the canal gradually. The canal was enlarged to reach a sufficient diameter to perform root separation safely. Following the shield preparation, immediate implant placement was preformed, and screw-retained temporary crown was done.

Retrospective analysis of dental implants immediately placed in extraction sockets with periapical pathology: immediate implant placement in infected areas

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to examine the survival rates of immediate implants placed in extraction sockets with chronic periapical pathology.

METHODS

69 patients and 124 immediate implants were included in the study. The patients included in the study were examined in 3 groups. Group 1: Patients who underwent tooth extraction with periapical pathology and immediate implant placement. Group 2: patients who underwent tooth extraction with periapical pathology, immediate implant placement and guided bone regeneration. Group 3: Patients who underwent tooth extraction with periapical pathology, sinus lift procedure and immediate implant placement. In statistical analysis, t-test and Anova analysis were used in the evaluation of quantitative data, cross-tables and chi-square (χ2) test were used in the evaluation of classified qualitative data. Statistical significance was determined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

It was observed that 116 (95.55%) of 124 implants were successful and 8 (4.45%) failed. The success rate was 97.2% in Group 1, 93.5% in Group 2 and 81.8% in Group 3. A significant correlation was found between the study groups and implant success in terms of χ2 test (p = 0.037). A significant relationship was found between smoking and success in terms of the χ2 test (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

High survival rates are observed for immediate implant placement in sockets with periapical pathology. The success rates observed in guided bone regenerations simultaneously with immediate implant placement are at satisfactory levels. In cases where simultaneous sinus lifting procedures are required, the success rates were observed to be significantly lower. In case of adequate curettage and debridement in sockets with periapical pathology, high implant survival rates are observed. As the complexity of the surgical procedure increases, treatment protocols may progress in safer ways.

Buccal bone thickness and mid-facial soft tissue recession after various surgical approaches for immediate implant placement: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of controlled trials

AIM

To evaluate the relative efficacy and confidence in the precision of the results of different surgical interventions for immediate implant placement in the anterior area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Randomized controlled trials comparing different surgical techniques in anterior jaws for type 1 implant placement were included. Outcome measures included implant survival (primary outcome), buccal bone thickness (BBT) reduction, and mid-facial soft tissue recession (MSTR). Risks of bias assessment, network meta-analysis (NMA), sensitivity analysis, and quality-of-evidence assessment were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies reporting on 948 subjects and 5 surgical interventions were included. Fourteen early failures were reported. Compared with open-flap surgery without tissue augmentation (F-N) and looking at BBT preservation, NMA showed that there was moderate confidence that flapless surgery with hard tissue augmentation (FL-HTA) was better than flapless surgery without tissue augmentation (FL-N) or open-flap surgery with hard tissue augmentation (F-HTA) (mean difference -0.8 mm, 95% confidence interval: -1.1 to -0.5 mm; -0.6 mm, -0.9 to -0.4 mm; and -0.5 mm, -0.7 to -0.3 mm, respectively). There was moderate confidence that flapless surgery with hard and soft tissue augmentation (FL-HTA&STA) could significantly prevent MSTR compared with FL-HTA (-0.5 mm, -0.7 to -0.3 mm) and FL-N (-0.6 mm, -1.2 to -0.04 mm). However, there was no significant additional benefit in BBT with the FL-HTA&STA approach compared to the FL-HTA approach (-0.30 mm, -0.81 to 0.21 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

For immediate implant placement in the anterior areas, the FL-HTA approach better preserves BBT (moderate confidence); adding STA improves the stability of the mid-facial soft tissue level (moderate confidence) but at the expense of BBT (low confidence).

Immediate implant placement with flap or flapless surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the impact of mucoperiosteal flap elevation for single immediate implant placement (IIP) on buccal hard and soft tissue changes, and on clinical, aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic literature search in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies up to June 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IIP without flap elevation to IIP with flap elevation were included for a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary outcome was horizontal buccal bone change. Secondary outcomes were implant survival, vertical buccal bone change, pain, and clinical and aesthetic parameters.

RESULTS

Out of 1029 records, 5 RCTs were selected reporting on 140 patients who received 140 single immediate implants (flapless: 68; flap: 72). Patients had a mean age ranging from 30 to 67 years and were followed between 6 and 12 months. Four RCTs pertained to (nearly) intact alveoli. Risk of bias assessment yielded low risk for two RCTs and high risk for three RCTs. Meta-analysis demonstrated a mean difference of 0.48 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.13, 0.84], p = .007) in horizontal buccal bone change between surgical approaches, favouring flapless surgery. Meta-analysis failed to demonstrate a significant difference in implant survival between the groups (RR 1.00, 95% CI [0.93, 1.07], p = .920). Given the scarcity of data, meta-analyses could not be performed on other secondary outcomes. Available studies were consistent in the direction of the effect favouring flapless surgery for vertical buccal bone change as well as for pain. Clinical and aesthetic parameters were underreported.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on CBCT data, flapless surgery resulted in more buccal bone preservation at immediate implants. However, the clinical relevance of this finding is unclear, since clinical and aesthetic outcomes were underreported.

Clinical, radiographic, and esthetic evaluation of immediate implant placement with buccal bone dehiscence in the anterior maxilla: A 1-year prospective case series

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and esthetic outcomes of immediate implant placement with buccal bone dehiscence in the anterior maxilla.

METHODS

In this case series, implants were inserted immediately after tooth extraction in sockets with buccal bone dehiscence. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) with a papilla preservation flap and simultaneous connective tissue grafting (CTG) was used. The following outcome variables were measured: mid-facial mucosal recession, probing depth, bleeding on probing, Pink Esthetic Score (PES), marginal bone loss, and thickness of buccal bone plate (TBP).

RESULTS

12 patients were recruited. Stable mid-facial mucosal level (-0.03 ± 0.17 mm) and excellent soft-tissue esthetic outcomes (PES, 9.17 ± 0.72) were achieved at 1 year. The TBP at platform level was 2.01 ± 0.31 mm at 1-year follow up with a resorption rate of 28.90% ± 15.14%.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate implant placement using GBR performed with a papilla preservation approach and simultaneous CTG is a feasible treatment procedure in compromised extraction sockets in the anterior region. Favorable esthetic outcomes and buccal bone thickness were obtained. Further studies were needed to evaluate the long-term tissue alteration.

Influence of using collagen on the soft and hard tissue outcomes of immediate dental implant placement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of bone grafting materials, collagen-infused grafting materials, and no grafting materials on the soft and hard tissue outcomes when an immediate implant is placed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In addition to hand searching, electronic searches were performed in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Only RCTs were included in our review. The Cochrane ROB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias (ROB). Two subgroups were used to evaluate implant failure rate, buccal bone resorption, soft tissue thickness, and esthetic scores. In the meta-analysis, both the fixed-effects model and the random-effects model were employed.

RESULT

7 RCTs were selected after screening 580 studies, and 205 patients were included in the review, with 279 implants. Two RCTs were at low bias of risk, three were at moderate bias, and two were deemed at high risk of bias. The failure rate (95% CI: 0.17 to 11.84) and soft tissue thickness were not significantly different between collagen with bone grafting materials and without bone grafting materials. On the basis of the failure rate and buccal bone thickness, there was no significant difference between collagen with bone grafting materials and bone grafting materials. While we found collagen with bone grafting materials could have a significant advantage on the buccal bone thickness (MD: -0.43,95% CI -0.72 to -0.41) and esthetic outcome (MD: -1.23,95% CI -1.90 to -0.55).

CONCLUSION

In the statement of immediate implant implantation, the thickness of the buccal bone and esthetic outcomes did significantly benefit from bone grafting materials with collagen inserted in the "jumping gap".

Bone dimensional changes after flapless immediate implant placement with and without bone grafting: Randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Immediate implant in postextraction sockets requires managing the postextraction alveolar resorption. This randomized clinical trial examined vertical and horizontal changes 1-year following flapless immediate implant with and without xenograft at sites with thin labial plate.

METHODS

Forty patients with hopeless teeth in maxillary esthetic zone were randomly assigned to receiving either one immediate implant without bone graft (control) or with bone graft (intervention). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained pre-extraction and 1-year postoperatively to measure thickness and dimensional changes of the labial bone.

RESULTS

Cone beam computed tomography measurements revealed that a xenograft, when compared to no xenograft, led to 0.2 mm increased fill of the horizontal gap (95% confidence interval (CI): -1.1, 0.7). In both groups, there was a significant reduction in the labio-palatal bone width after 1 year compared to baseline (P ≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the xenograft when compared to no xenograft regarding the labio-palatal bone collapse % at 0 mm (-0.2, 95% CI: -4.8, 4.5) and 2 mm apical to the labial crest (1.9, 95% CI: -1.8, 5.6). While at 5 mm the ridge was significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in the no xenograft when compared to xenograft (4.5, 95% CI: 0.7, 8.2). The xenograft when compared to no xenograft, led to 1.1 mm less vertical bone changes (95% CI: 0.4, 1.9). Both groups revealed significant positive correlation between labio-palatal socket dimension and bone formed labial to the implant (P ≤ 0.05). [Correction added on 7 February 2023, after first online publication: In the 8th line of this section, the word "collapse" was changed to "ridge" in this version.] CONCLUSION: This investigation suggested that immediate implants with or without grafting the labial gap preserved alveolar bone dimension and that bone formation labial to the implant was related to initial labio-palatal socket dimension.

Can the Immediate Implantation With Immediate Loading Achieve an Acceptable Esthetic Outcome? A Prospective Observational Clinical Study

The trending protocol in implantology aims at integrating the esthetic on par with function while reducing discomfort and treatment time with optimal results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pink esthetic score in sites treated by graftless instant implantation that was boosted by instant provisionalization with a 2 to 3 mm jumping distance. Thirty-five implants were inserted in the extraction sockets of teeth of 29 healthy qualified patients (22 females and 7 males) with an age range of 23 to 60 years [mean±SD age 41.11±9.9 y). Preoperative assessment was complemented clinically and radiographically for each patient. The used system was Medentika dental implant (Germany). Osstell implant stability quotient was used to measure implant stability at the time of surgery (baseline) and at 16 weeks. Four implants in 3 patients failed. The implant survival rate was 88.6%. The protocol of this study produced a significant decrease in the jumping distance which is 2 to 3 mm at cone-beam computed tomography evaluation with satisfactory esthetic outcomes clinically. Further comparative studies with long-term and larger samples are needed to confirm the conclusion of this study.

Effect of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin in bone healing around dental implants placed in conventional and wide osteotomy sites: A pre-clinical study

Leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been suggested for gap management for immediate implant placement when the distance is greater than 2 mm. However, there remains a paucity in hierarchically designed research to support this application. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-PRF on the osseointegration parameters of dental implants placed after conventional osteotomy of surgically created bone defects that simulate post extraction sockets in a canine model after 3, 6, and 12 weeks in vivo. Eighty dental implants (Intra-Lock, Boca Raton, FL) were placed in the radius of 13 beagle dogs. The experiment consisted of 4 groups (n = 20 implants/group): 1) Regular osteotomy (Reg n/L-PRF); 2) Regular osteotomy and implant placement with L-PRF membrane (Reg L-PRF); 3) Wide osteotomy with no gap management performed, where an osteotomy/bony defect (6 mm of diameter and ~5 mm deep) was created to simulate immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets, and the gap was left for spontaneous healing (Wide nL-PRF); and 4) Wide osteotomy with L-PRF gap management (Wide L-PRF). L-PRF membranes were obtained by blood drawn from each subject and centrifuged at 2700 rpm (408 RCF-clot) for 12 min. In the experimental groups where L-PRF was utilized, the membrane was inserted into the osteotomy site prior to implant placement. Six dogs had implants placed in the radius for 3 weeks; and 7 dogs had implants placed in the left radius for 6 weeks and in the right radius for 12 weeks. At the corresponding experimental time points, samples were harvested, and subjected to histological processing for qualitative and quantitative analyses, via bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone-area-fraction occupancy (BAFO). Qualitative analysis demonstrated increased amounts of bone formation around the implant and within the healing chambers over time for all groups. While comparable histological features were observed for both Reg groups (L-PRF and nL-PRF), the gap management performed in Wide L-PRF group resulted in effective gap filling with improved bone growth in close proximity to the implant surface. Quantitative analyses of BIC and BAFO yielded higher values for both variables at 3 weeks for Wide L-PRF (~38% and ~56% respectively) compared to Wide nL-PRF (~20% for BIC and BAFO) (p < .03). No statistical differences were detected between Wide groups at 6 and 12 weeks, neither between Reg groups, independent of the association with or without the L-PRF membrane at all healing times. L-PRF placed within wide osteotomies, prior to implant placement, resulted in increased early bone formation compared to unfilled wide osteotomies at the early healing time (3 weeks in vivo).

Dimensional changes of peri-implant tissue following immediate flapless implant placement and provisionalization with or without xenograft in the anterior maxilla: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Dental implant therapy requires the preservation of peri-implant tissue in the cosmetic zone. Various surgical procedures have been presented, including ridge preservation, flapless method, and quick provisionalization. The goal of this research was to assess the buccal bone dimensional changes following immediate flapless implant implantation in the front maxilla, with or without xenografting.

Method and design

Thirty patients who meet the inclusion criteria and have maxillary teeth (numbers 14 to 24) are candidates for the immediate implant with immediate provisionalization. Participants will be assigned randomly to one of two groups: (1) an immediate implant with xenograft and (2) an immediate implant without bone grafting. For 3 months, the temporary prosthesis will be installed shortly before the final restoration. Following temporary prosthesis insertion and 6 months after surgery, a CBCT radiograph will be used to examine bone tissue. Soft tissue will be assessed at three points: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following implant therapy. Patients’ satisfaction, implant failure, prosthesis failure, and complications will be assessed as secondary outcomes after 6 months.

Discussion

The outcomes of this randomized clinical research will show if buccal bone augmentation with xenograft reduces vertical bone and gingiva recession. The findings and patient-reported outcomes will aid in the selection of therapy alternatives for implant treatment patients.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20211119053106N1. Registered on 6 December 2021 and Open Science Framework (OSF) on May 20, 2022. Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VUGFQ.

The effect of loading time on marginal bone change of implants immediately placed after extraction: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the treatment outcomes between two groups which are both immediately placed implant cases, one is immediate loading, and the other is conventional loading group.

METHODS

Medical records of the patients who underwent implant treatment which were immediately placed after tooth extraction were analyzed. Demographic data were collected and by using periapical or panoramic radiographic image, marginal bone level and distant crestal bone level were measured. Marginal bone change over time was analyzed and compared between immediate loading group and conventional loading group.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients, 112 immediately placed implants after tooth extraction were initially involved. Measuring was done with implants which had not failed (81). 10 implants were had failed and removed. The others were excluded because of follow-up loss, absence of radiographic image, etc. Demographic data were collected, and measured values were averaged at each follow-up and showed in linear graphs.

CONCLUSIONS

In case of immediate implantation of dental implant after extraction, loading time could affect marginal bone level or biological width of the implant. Immediate loading group showed 0.92 mm (mean value) more bone loss compared to conventional loading group at bone-implant contact points 24 months after implantation. At distant crestal points, there was no noticeable difference in bone change pattern between two groups.

Effect of the buccal gap width following immediate implant placement on the buccal bone wall: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of the buccal gap width on the clinical outcome of socket graft and immediate implant placement (IIP) at maxillary central incisor sites has not been investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the width of the buccal gap on the thickness of the newly formed buccal wall.

METHODS

Forty-two patients and 51 maxillary central incisor sites treated with IIP and ridge preservation by means of graft of the buccal gap at the maxillary central incisor region were included in the study. The width of the buccal gap was measured and filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral. Implant sites were divided into two groups: wide gap (WG, >2 mm; n = 34) and narrow gap (NG, ≤2 mm; n = 17). After at least 1 year in function (5 ± 4), CBCT scans were obtained and assessed by a calibrated examiner. The thickness of the buccal and palatal bone walls, the percentage of the implant height covered by bone in the buccal and palatal aspects and the position of the buccal and palatal crests were compared between the two groups. A linear regression model was performed to assess predictors of the thickness of the buccal bone.

RESULTS

The buccal bone was significantly thicker in the WG group than the NG group at all levels observed (overall 1.9 ± 0.9 mm and 0.5 ± 0.6 mm, respectively). The thickness of the palatal bone was similar between both groups (>2 mm). The percentage of the implant height covered by bone at the buccal aspect was significantly higher in the WG group (95 ± 16.6%) than in the NG group (59.4 ± 42.3%). The position of the buccal crest in relation to the implant shoulder was significantly more coronal (0.3 ± 2.2 mm) in the WG group than in the NG group (-4.7 ± 5.6 mm). The regression analysis model indicated that the width of the buccal gap was the only predictor of the thickness of the newly formed buccal bone wall (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Grafting of >2 mm-wide buccal gaps following IIP promoted a thicker buccal bone wall.

An Osteotomy Tool That Preserves Bone Viability: Evaluation in Preclinical and Clinical Settings

The main objectives of this work were to assess the efficiency, ease-of-use, and general performance of a novel osseoshaping tool based on first-user clinical experiences and to compare these observations with preclinical data generated in rodents using a miniaturized version of the instrument. All patients selected for the surgery presented challenging clinical conditions in terms of the quality and/or quantity of the available bone. The presented data were collected during the implant placement of 15 implants in 7 patients, and included implant recipient site (bone quality and quantity) and ridge evaluation, intra-operative handling of the novel instrument, and the evaluation of subsequent implant insertion. The instrument was easy to handle and was applied without any complications during the surgical procedure. Its use obviated the need for multiple drills and enabled adequate insertion torque in all cases. This biologically driven innovation in implant site preparation shows improvements in preserving vital anatomical and cellular structures as well as simplifying the surgical protocol with excellent ease-of-use and handling properties.

Immediate implant placement with or without socket grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of grafting the gap (SG) between the implant surface and alveolar socket on hard and soft tissue changes following single immediate implant placement (IIP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic literature search in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies up to August 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IIP with and without SG were included for a qualitative analysis. Meta-analyses were performed when possible.

RESULTS

Out of 3627 records, 15 RCTs were selected and reported on 577 patients who received 604 single immediate implants (IIP + SG: 298 implants in 292 patients; IIP: 306 implants in 285 patients) with a mean follow-up ranging from 4 to 36 months. Two RCTs showed low risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed 0.59 mm (95% CI [0.41; 0.78], p < 0.001) or 54% less horizontal buccal bone resorption following IIP + SG when compared to IIP alone. In addition, 0.58 mm (95% CI [0.28; 0.88], p < 0.001) less apical migration of the midfacial soft tissue level was found when immediate implants were installed with SG. A trend towards less distal papillary recession was found (MD 0.60 mm, 95% CI [-0.08; 1.28], p = 0.080) when SG was performed, while mesial papillae appeared not significantly affected by SG. Vertical buccal bone changes were also not significantly affected by SG. Insufficient data were available for meta-analyses on horizontal midfacial soft tissue changes, pink esthetic score, marginal bone level changes, probing depth and bleeding on probing. Based on GRADE guidelines, a moderate recommendation for SG following IIP can be made.

CONCLUSION

SG may contribute to horizontal bone preservation and soft tissue stability at the midfacial aspect of immediate implants. Therefore, SG should be considered as an adjunct to IIP in clinical practice.

Does initial buccal crest thickness affect final buccal crest thickness after flapless immediate implant placement and provisionalization: A prospective cone beam computed tomogram cohort study

BACKGROUND

Flapless immediate implant placement and provisionalization (FIIPP) in the aesthetic zone is still controversial. Especially, an initial buccal crest thickness (BCT) of ≤1 mm is thought to be disruptive for the final buccal crest stability jeopardizing the aesthetic outcome.

PURPOSE

To radiographically assess the BCT and buccal crest height (BCH) after 1 year and to calculate the correlation between initial and final achieved BCT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective study on FIIPP. Only patients were included in whom one maxillary incisor was considered as lost. In six centers, 100 consecutive patients received FIIPP. Implants were placed in a maximal palatal position of the socket, thereby creating a buccal space of at least 2 mm, which was subsequently filled with a bovine bone substitute. Files of preoperative (T0), peroperative (T1) and 1-year postoperative (T3) cone beam computed tomogram (CBCT) scans were imported into the Maxillim™ software to analyze the changes in BCT-BCH over time.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 85% of the cases showed a BCT ≤1 mm, in 25% of the patients also a small buccal defect (≤5 mm) was present. Mean BCT at the level of the implant-shoulder increased from 0.6 mm at baseline to 3.3 mm immediate postoperatively and compacted to 2.4 mm after 1 year. Mean BCH improved from 0.7 to 3.1 mm peroperatively, and resorbed to 1.7 mm after 1 year. The Pearson correlation of 0.38 between initial and final BCT was significant (p = 0.01) and therefore is valued as moderate. If only patients (75%) with an intact alveolus were included in the analysis, still a "moderate correlation" of 0.32 (p = 0.01) was calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

A "moderate correlation" was shown for the hypothesis that "thinner preoperative BCT's deliver thinner BCT's" 1 year after performing FIIPP.

The healing pattern of a 4 mm proximal infrabony defect was not significantly different from a 2 mm defect adjacent to dental implant in a canine mandible

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the healing patterns of 2-mm and 4-mm proximal infrabony defects adjacent to dental implants in canine mandibles.

Methods

Four male beagles were used. Two groups were created: a 2-mm group (n=4) and a 4-mm group (n=4) depending on the horizontal dimension of proximal infrabony defects adjacent to implants. Bone healing patterns between the 2 groups were evaluated and compared at 8 and 16 weeks using radiographic, histological, histomorphometric, and fluorescent labelling analyses.

Results

According to microcomputed tomography, the median bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and the percentage of radiographic distance from the defect bottom to the most coronal bone-to-implant contact (radio-mcBIC) were 32.9%, 0.6 g/cm³, and 73.7% (8 weeks) and 45.7%, 0.7 g/cm³, and 76.0% (16 weeks) in the 2-mm group and 57.7%, 0.8 g/cm³, and 75.7% (8 weeks) and 50.9%, 0.8 g/cm³, and 74.7% (16 weeks) in the 4-mm group, respectively. According to histomorphometry, the median bone area fraction, mcBIC and the percentage of BIC amounted to 36.7%, 3.4 mm, and 58.4% (8 weeks) and 49.2%, 3.4 mm, and 70.2% (16 weeks) in the 2-mm group and 50.0%, 3.0 mm, and 64.8% (8 weeks) and 55.7%, 3.0 mm, and 69.6% (16 weeks) in the 4-mm group, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for any variables (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The proximal defects that measured 2 mm and 4 mm showed similar healing patterns at 8 and 16 weeks, and the top of bone formation in the defects was substantially limited to a maximum of 1.6 mm below the implant shoulder in both groups.

Efficacy of different surgical techniques for peri-implant tissue preservation in immediate implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Preserving peri-implant tissues after immediate implant placement (IIP), especially in aesthetic zones, is a topic of interest.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review investigated the effects of currently available surgical procedures for preserving peri-implant tissue or ensuring dimensional stability following immediate implant placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement's guidelines were followed, and articles were sought on the PubMed and Cochrane databases with no date restrictions. Only randomised clinical trials that evaluated changes in soft and hard tissues around immediately placed implants were included. Statistical analyses were performed, and the studies´ quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The agreement between reviewers was assessed based on Cohen's kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 11 were analysed in the meta-analysis (kappa = 0.814; almost perfect agreement). The use of connective tissue grafts resulted in a significantly greater improvement of the facial gingival level (MD = -0.51; 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.31; p = < .001), and the placement of bone grafts significantly reduced the horizontal resorption of the buccal bone (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.39; p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Connective tissue grafts and bone grafts positively influence tissue preservation around immediately placed implants. Neither the flapless technique nor palatal implant positioning resulted in significant improvements to any of the investigated parameters. Additional longitudinal studies are required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis is useful for discerning the effects of soft tissue augmentation, bone grafting, the flapless technique, and palatal implant positioning on preserving peri-implant tissues after immediate implant placement.