ABSTRACT Introduction In single‐tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone, extensive bone defects require alveolar ridge reconstruction. A digital workflow involving CBCT and intraoral optical scanning enables a three‐dimensional assessment, prosthetically driven implant positioning, computer‐assisted implant surgery, and prefabrication of a temporary restoration for immediate provisionalization. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical, aesthetic, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes of delayed implant placement and immediate provisionalization in reconstructed alveolar ridges using a digital workflow. Materials and Methods In a prospective case series, 30 patients with a > 5 mm buccal bone defect underwent alveolar ridge reconstruction. After 4 months, implant placement was performed using a digital workflow, followed by immediate provisionalization with a prefabricated temporary restoration, and definitive restoration 3 months later. The clinical, aesthetic, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed pre‐treatment, 6 weeks after provisionalization, and 1 month and 1 year following definitive restoration. Results Wound healing was uneventful in 90% of cases (10% showed mild oedema). One early implant failure occurred (implant survival rate 97%). After 1 year, restoration survival and success rates were 100% and 97%. Peri‐implant tissues were mainly healthy. The mean (SD) Pink and White Esthetic Score (scale 0–20) was 14.0 (2.9). The mean (SD) marginal bone level change was −0.25 mm (0.38) mesially and −0.21 mm (0.45) distally. The median buccal bone thickness was > 1.5 mm. Patient satisfaction (scale 0–10) was 9.3 (0.9). Conclusion A digital workflow offers favorable short‐term clinical, aesthetic, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes for single‐tooth implants after alveolar ridge reconstruction. Trial Registration Registered in the National Trial Register: NL8264
Donker et al. (Sun,) studied this question.