Immediately restored single implants in the aesthetic zone of the maxilla using a novel design: 1-year report

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate immediate placement and immediate restoration of a novel implant with a 12°-angled prosthodontic platform, in fresh extraction sockets of the aesthetic zone of the maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tapered, roughened surface implants of 4 mm (n=15) or 5 mm (n=13) diameter were placed in 27 participants (mean age: 47.1 years; range: 21-71 years) requiring an immediate replacement of single anterior maxillary teeth. Provisional screw-retained all-ceramic crowns were placed within 4 h following optical impressions. At 8 weeks (baseline), definitive screw-retained all-ceramic crowns were placed in occlusion. RESULTS: Twenty-six of the 28 implants met the inclusion criteria at surgery. Marginal bone levels revealed bone gain between surgery and baseline, and between baseline and 1 year of 0.2 mm (SD 0.75) and 0.78 mm (SD 2.45). Mean mid-buccal mucosal margins showed gains of 0.2 mm (SD 0.44). Prosthodontic maintenance and the aesthetics of the screw-retained implant crowns were facilitated by the external hex 12°-angled prosthodontic platform on the novel implant design, re-orientating the access cavity to the palatal or occlusal surfaces. All-ceramic implant crowns showed a high success rate with low maintenance issues over 1 year. CONCLUSION: Tapered, roughened-surfaced implants with a novel 12°-angled prosthodontic platform immediately placed in fresh extraction sockets, immediately restored with provisional crowns and subsequent definitive crowns at 8 weeks were successful for 1 year.