Accuracy of an innovative extraction socket–supported guide for immediate anterior implantation: An in vitro study

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a root‐shaped extraction socket–supported guide (ESSG) for anterior single‐tooth immediate implant placement. Materials and Methods After the central incisors were digitally removed from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained from patients, 3D‐printed models were created to simulate labial (Type I), central (Type II), and palatal root‐position deviation (Type III) in the sagittal plane. Resin models of each type were divided into high‐elastic‐modulus (HE) and normal‐elastic‐modulus (NE) subgroups. In total, 120 implants were immediately placed using ESSGs (test group) or tooth‐supported surgical guides (TSSGs; control group). The angular and positional deviations were assessed by comparing post‐placement CBCT scans with the corresponding virtual implant plans. Results In Type I and III resin models, angular deviations were significantly smaller in the test group ( p < 0.05) than in the control group, with values of 1.34° ± 0.75° versus 4.28° ± 0.71° (Type I, HE), 0.83° ± 0.76° versus 2.74° ± 1.05° (Type I, NE), 1.18° ± 0.82° versus 3.57° ± 1.40° (Type III, HE), and 1.17° ± 0.79° versus 3.41° ± 1.16° (Type III, NE), respectively. Positional deviations in most Type I and III resin models were likewise significantly lower in the test group than in the control group. Notably, ESSGs maintained high accuracy in HE resin models of Types I and III. Conclusions ESSGs demonstrated greater precision than TSSGs in resin models simulating labial and palatal deviations of socket morphology. Nevertheless, clinical studies are still needed to evaluate their applicability in patients.