Search

Background It is unclear if an intact buccal bony plate is a prerequisite for immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets. The aim of this 5-year randomized controlled trial was therefore comparison of peri-implant soft and hard tissue parameters, esthetic ratings, and patient-reported satisfaction of immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of >= 5 mm in the esthetic zone, with delayed implant placement after ridge preservation.Methods Patients presenting a failing tooth in the esthetic region and a buccal bony defect of >= 5 mm after extraction were randomly assigned to immediate (Immediate group, n = 20) or delayed (Delayed group, n = 20) implant placement. Second-stage surgery and placement of a provisional restoration occurred 3 months after implant placement in both groups, followed by definitive restorations 3 months thereafter. The follow-up was 5 years. Marginal bone level (primary outcome), buccal bone thickness, soft tissue parameters, esthetics, and patient-reported satisfaction were recorded.Results Mean marginal bone level change was -0.71 +/- 0.35 mm and -0.54 +/- 0.41 mm in respectively the Immediate group and the Delayed group after 5 years (P = 0.202). This difference, and in other variables, was not significant.Conclusions Marginal bone level changes, buccal bone thickness, clinical outcomes, esthetics, and patients' satisfaction following immediate implant placement, in combination with bone augmentation in post-extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of >= 5 mm, were comparable to those following delayed implant placement after ridge preservation in the esthetic zone.

Objectives To address the following question: "Is the timing of implant placement and/or loading influencing the esthetic outcomes of implant-supported single crowns?" Material and methods A literature screening was performed in four electronic databases until June 2020. Randomized controlled clinical trials with a minimum of 10 patients and 1 year of follow-up and reporting on dimensional changes of the peri-implant mucosa (midfacial recession, papilla level) and esthetic indexes were included. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used, and comparable trials were subjected to meta-analyses. Results Out of 8549 articles, 72 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 18 were included. Nine trials evaluated the timing of implant placement, and nine trials evaluated the timing of loading. The included trials comparing immediate implant placement to delayed implant placement evaluating the midfacial recession reported heterogeneous findings. No differences were found at 1 and 2-years, when comparing midfacial recession and papilla level between immediate and early implant placement. In immediate and delayed implant placement, when comparing conventional and immediate loading, the midfacial mucosal margin change was not statistically significant at the 1-year follow-up. When evaluating the timing of implant placement and/or loading the included trials found no differences in the Pink Esthetic score, White Esthetic score, and Papilla Index between groups. Conclusions Both immediate and early implant placement protocols presented stable treatment results in terms of esthetic outcomes at the 1-, 2-, and 10-years follow-up. Loading protocols did not seem to influence esthetic outcomes in short- and medium-term follow-ups.

Background The use of intraoral scanners (IOS) has facilitated the use of digital workflows for the fabrication of implant-supported prostheses not only for single missing teeth, but also for multiple missing teeth. However, the clinical application of IOS and computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in implant-supported prosthodontics remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of digital and silicone impressions for single-tooth implants for bounded edentulous spaces and two-unit and three-unit implant-supported fixed dental prostheses for free-end edentulous spaces. Methods This study enrolled 30 patients (n = 10 for each of the three groups) with an average age of 61.9 years. Conventional silicone-based and digital IOS-based impressions were made for all patients, and the implant superstructures were fabricated. We measured the scan-body misfit and compared the accuracy of the impressions for single-unit, two-unit, and three-unit implant prostheses with a bounded edentulous space by superimposing the standard triangulated language (STL) data obtained from IOS over the STL data of the plaster model used for final prosthesis fabrication. The scan bodies of the superimposed single-molar implant, two-unit implant prosthesis without teeth on the mesial side, two-unit implant prosthesis without teeth on the distal side, three-unit implant prosthesis without teeth on the mesial side, and three-unit implant prosthesis without teeth on the distal side were designated as A, B1, B2, C1, and C2, respectively. The misfit for each scan body was calculated and the accuracies were compared using the Tukey–Kramer method. Results The average scan-body misfit for conditions A, B1, B2, C1, and C2 was 40.5 ± 18.9, 45.4 ± 13.4, 56.5 ± 9.6, 50.7 ± 14.9, and 80.3 ± 12.4 μm, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the accuracies of A and B2, A and C2, and C1 and C2 (P Conclusions IOS and CAD/CAM can find clinical applications for implant-supported prostheses of up to three units for a bounded edentulous saddle. The use of IOS could render implant treatment easier, benefiting both the surgeons and patients. Prosthesis maladjustment may lead to peri-implantitis and prosthetic fracture. Therefore, further validation of the accuracy of IOS impressions is required in patients with multiple missing teeth in long-span implant prostheses.

Objective This case will demonstrate a thoughtful approach to the management of avulsed/replanted teeth in the adult dentition and their long-term maintenance. Often times these teeth are either not replanted, or extracted soon after replantation when resorptive lesions appear and the teeth are deemed "hopeless". The term "hopeless tooth" (HT) has become more popular since the advent of implants. Implants allowed for a simple solution to the HT by extraction and immediate replacement with a fixture and a restoration. However, now that we are realizing that implants do not last forever and also have attendant problems, saving the HT takes on a new light. Clinical considerations Prolonging the life of the HT can preserve bone and give the patient a functional, esthetic tooth for many years. With each additional year, clinicians garner new skills, and technology improves our future treatment outcomes. This will allow clinicians to improve and extend the life of future replacements. Conclusions If there is minimal risk to adjacent structures, retaining the HT has many advantages for the patient and clinician. Clinicians should adopt a policy of thinking ahead and asking "What's Next"? when their prospective treatment fails or needs to be replaced. By prolonging the life of the HT, the "best ultimate treatment" has a greater chance to outlive the patient. Clinical significance With the advent of single tooth implants, the term "hopeless tooth" has become more popular. It is easier to justify extraction of a tooth when it is deemed "hopeless". Many of these teeth could be saved. The advantages of this philosophy will be elucidated.

Purpose The aim of the present study was to assess the perceptibility and acceptability threshold values for color differentiation at the restoration and mucosa levels. Materials and methods One restored single-tooth implant and the contralateral reference tooth were spectrophotometrically assessed in 20 patients. Perceptibility and acceptability were evaluated by dentists, dental technicians, and laypeople. Results Dental technicians had the highest sensitivity in the perception of tooth color differences (ΔE = 2.7), followed by dentists (ΔE = 3.3) and laypeople (ΔE = 4.4). Acceptability threshold values were generally higher than perceptibility threshold in all groups. Dental technicians exhibited the highest sensitivity in the perception of mucosa color differences (50% perceptibility at ΔE = 2.65), followed by dentists (ΔE > 3.7) and laypeople (ΔE > 6). Conclusion Color differences were tolerated with varying degrees among the three groups. Laypeople accepted higher color differences at the mucosa level.

Objective Missing maxillary lateral incisors is a common developmental anomaly and often creates a major esthetic problem due to their position in the dental arch. Treatment in such cases depends on either creation of space followed by prosthetic replacement or closing the space and replacing the missing lateral incisors by canines. In this report we highlight some of the key factors which should be considered for replacement of missing lateral incisors using single tooth implant. Methods This clinical report describes the treatment of a patient with bilateral missing maxillary lateral incisors. An interdisciplinary approach involving Orthodontist, implant surgeon and prosthodontist was used in the treatment. Results At the end treatment, the patient presented with class I molar and canine, normal overbite and overjet, and good facial esthetics with canine protected occlusion. Conclusion When indicated, space opening and replacement of missing lateral incisors with implant supported tooth substitution may provide excellent esthetics and functional results.

Background There is a growing tendency to place single tooth implants immediately after extracting a failing tooth in the posterior region. The aim of this prospective case series pilot study was to evaluate immediate implant placement in molar post-extraction sites during a 1-year follow-up period. Materials and methods Fifteen consecutive patients with a single failing molar in the maxilla or mandible, and presenting enough bone to expect primary implant stability and an implant site free of infection, were included. The implants, with a large thread depth and sharp thread edges, were placed in each patient according to a two-staged surgical procedure. Three months later, a full contour screw-retained zirconia restoration with an angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 month and 12 months after placing the restoration. In addition, the patients’ satisfaction with the restoration was scored after 12 months. Results Four out of 15 of the mobile implants had to be removed before the 1-year evaluation. The implant and restoration survival rates were 73.3% at the 1-year evaluation (n = 15). The mean marginal bone loss, from loading to the 12-month follow-up, was 0.17 mm (n = 11). The mean plaque, calculus, peri-implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth scores were low, depicting healthy peri-implant conditions. The patients were very satisfied. Conclusion It was demonstrated, within the limitations of this study, that immediate placement of regular diameter implants in molar post-extraction sites in the maxilla and mandible resulted in a high implant failure rate during a 1-year follow-up period. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register, NL8117. Registered 24 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8117.

To compare the active tactile sensibility (AST) between natural teeth and implant dentures, and explore the risk factors. To establish a database of normal tactile thresholds of natural teeth, and integrate the results from experiments. 50 patients underwent posterior dental implant restoration. A healthy group was also enrolled as control. Patients were firstly placed in semi-supine position with soothed tension and wore ear pads and goggles. Next, T-scan II digital occlusal analysis system (Tekscan,USA). The test was performed in double-blind way and recorded by the third. Results were analyzed using SPSS software and P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Active tactile sensibility showed no statistically significant difference between natural teeth and dental implants among males and females (P > 0.05). However, there was difference between the natural tooth and implant tooth (P < 0.01), and there was also statistically significant difference between the front tooth and the back of the natural tooth and implant tooth (P < 0.01). There is no significant difference in the determination of the active tactile sensitive threshold difference between the implanted tooth and the natural tooth, which could serve as a comprehensive guiding for clinical strategies of tooth implantation.

The peri-implant soft tissue seal consists of a connective tissue cuff and a junctional epithelium that is different from the arrangement of periodontium around a natural tooth. However, the peri-implant soft tissue complex lacks Sharpey's fibers, thus offering less resistance to clinical probing and biofilm penetration compared to the natural dentition. Therefore, the proper restorative emergence profile design is essential to facilitate favorable esthetic outcomes and maintain peri-implant health. The aim of this article is to review the currently available evidence related to the design of subgingival (critical and subcritical) and supragingival contours of the implant restorative emergence profile (IREP) as well as provide a flowchart for decision-making in clinical practice. Theoretically, the subgingival contours of the crown/abutment complex should mimic the morphology of the root and the cervical third of the anatomic crown as much and as often as possible. However, this is highly dependent upon the three-dimensional spatial position of the implant relative to the hard and soft tissue complex, in addition to the location of the definitive restoration. Frequently, a convex critical contour is required on the facial aspect of a palatally or incisally positioned implant to support an adequate gingival-margin architecture. Conversely, if the implant is placed too far facially, then a flat or concave contour is recommended. In instances where soft tissue support is not needed, the subcritical area may be undercontoured to increase the thickness, height, and stability of the soft tissue cuff.

Introduction: To study the evaluation of effectiveness of early loaded versus delayed loaded single tooth implants. Aims & Objectives: To compare the effect of early loading implant (7-14 days) with delayed loading implant (4-5 months) after surgery on clinical and radiographic parameters, with 6 months follow-up. Material and Methods: 20 systemically healthy patients present with single missing tooth either in maxilla / mandible were treated with either early loading or delayed loading of single tooth implant. Results: Significant reduction in the plaque and papillary bleeding index at 6 months post-surgery indicated satisfactory improvement in oral hygiene and gingival condition. Delayed loaded implants group had a success rate of 100%, while early loaded implant group had 90%. Keywords: Early loading, Delayed loading, Single tooth implant.

Nitinol metal alloy that changes shape according to temperature has been in clinical use at select clinics worldwide for the past 2 years and is now released for general use. The Smileloc Abutment and nitinol sleeve enable "cementless," "screwless," crown fastening that saves time and cost with the prospect of replacement of much of the present, sometimes troublesome, anthropic, soon to be anachronistic, technology.

AIM This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) aimed to compare the accuracy of implant positions between static computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) and freehand implant surgery in a single edentulous space. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sites with single edentulous spaces and neighbouring natural teeth were randomized into static CAIS or freehand implant surgery groups. In both groups, digital implant planning was performed using data from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and surface scans. In the static CAIS group, a surgical guide was produced and used for fully guided implant surgery, while in the freehand group, the implants were placed in a freehand manner. Postoperative CBCT was used for nine measurements representing the deviations in angles, implant shoulders and apexes between planned and actual implant positions. RESULTS Fifty-two patients received 60 single implants. The median (IQR) deviations in angles, shoulders and apexes were 2.8 (2.6)°, 0.9 (0.8) mm and 1.2 (0.9) mm, respectively, in the static CAIS group, and 7.0 (7.0)°, 1.3 (0.7) mm and 2.2 (1.2) mm, respectively, in the freehand group. Statistically significant differences were found in 6 out of nine measured parameters using Mann-Whitney U test (p

OBJECTIVE Esthetic complications in implant therapy today represent a clinical challenge, when the aim is to overcome the sequelae and obtain a pleasing result. The current scientific literature about this topic is scarce and often based on case reports and the personal opinions of clinicians. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS The aim of this article is to introduce a decision tree for diagnosis and treatment of complications, focusing on the pink esthetic of single-tooth implants and based on three diagnostic pillars (3D implant position, peri-implant hard-tissue anatomy, and peri-implant soft-tissue anatomy). Different shortcomings have been identified for each of the three diagnostic areas. CONCLUSIONS Following this tree, the article proposes treatment alternatives including soft- and hard-tissue reconstruction, implant submergence, orthodontic extrusion, and implant extraction in order to help clinicians establish a logical therapeutic sequence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Guidelines for adequate diagnosis and management of single implant-supported restorations with compromised esthetics is mandatory when attempt to overcome shortcoming in the pink esthetic result.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the willingness to pay for a single tooth implant in Malaysia and to assess if an additional evidence-based patient education video increases the willingness to pay. A total of 100 subjects seeking single tooth replacement at the Oral Health Centre, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were asked to complete questionnaires about personal demographics and personality traits. Subsequently, they were randomly allocated into two groups. Group C received a conventional patient–dentist interaction on treatment options for missing teeth, while Group EV received the same content with an additional evidence-based video on the survival rate and complications for each option from recent meta-analyses. Willingness to pay the median price and the highest price that the subjects were willing to pay were assessed by a structured bidding process. A higher annual income was significantly associated with willingness to pay the median price for a single tooth implant (χ2 = 6.91, p = 0.03). Dominant personality traits of openness (r = −0.25), conscientiousness (r = −0.30) and agreeableness (r = −0.20) were negatively correlated with the highest price that the patients were willing to pay for a single tooth implant (Pearson’s correlation test, p &lt, 0.05). No significant difference in willingness to pay was found between Group C and Group EV (χ2 = 0.05, p &gt, 0.05). In conclusion, patient education strategies for single tooth replacements with dental implants should be customized based on a patient’s personality and income to maximize effectiveness.

Anterior immediate implant placement (IIP) has many biological and esthetic challenges, including inevitable soft and hard tissue loss after extraction. Previous literatures have discussed the facial bone architecture and defective socket classification. However, none of them discussed the depression of the cervical root area which can be seen frequently after IIP in type IIB and U-shaped defective sockets. In our limited experiences, we found that the labial interproximal bone edges of type IIB and U-shaped defect dominated the esthetic result after IIP. With more labial projection of the interproximal bone present, better esthetic result could be expected in the facial aspect. With adequate evaluation of this osseous scalloping before IIP, both patient and clinician could have a comprehensive understanding of the final esthetic result. This article also detailed the process of patient selection, diagnosis, surgical options, and executions required to achieve functional and esthetic success with IIP and provisionalization.

Background Assessment of the subjective experiences of individuals with maxillary anterior (ie, the upper front region of the mouth) single-tooth implants is limited mainly to quantitative measurements of satisfaction with appearance. Interestingly, there is unexplained variability in the relationship between satisfaction and appearance. Objective This qualitative study protocol aims to explore and better understand the satisfaction with appearance and function in a Canadian population with maxillary anterior single-tooth implants treated at a postgraduate university clinic. Thus, we aim to obtain diversity among participants relating to the identification of esthetically pleasing and displeasing cases from a clinician perspective. Methods A qualitative research design using interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) will provide an adaptable inductive research approach. The participants will be recruited, and consent documents, photographs, digital intraoral scans, and self-administered questionnaire responses will be obtained from them. The transcribed verbatim data from audio-recorded, in-depth, semistructured, one-to-one interviews of the participants will be managed, coded, and analyzed thematically with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. The IPA will consider the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative (COREQ) guidelines when applicable. Results For the qualitative interview, we plan to include at least eight patients to conduct up to 1.5 hours of open-ended interviews with each participant aided by an interview guide. Ethical approval was granted by the University of British Columbia Behavioral Research Ethics Board (H19-00107) in May 2019. Two American dental foundations funded this study. Conclusions The analysis in this study will elucidate the aspects (including their value) that influence participant satisfaction at different dental implant treatment stages. This will be the first qualitative study on this group of the population to explore and obtain a better understanding of their satisfaction with appearance and function, as well as any other patient-reported outcome measures that could be identified. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25767

This study sought to define the tissue responses at different implant-abutment interfaces by studying bone and peri-implant mucosal changes using a 5-year prospective randomized clinical trial design study. The conus interface was compared with the flat-to-flat interface and platform-switched implant-abutment systems.One hundred forty-one subjects were recruited and randomized to the three treatment groups according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following implant placement and immediate provisionalization in healed alveolar ridges, clinical, photographic, and radiographic parameters were measured at 6 months and annually for 5 years. The calculated changes in marginal bone levels, peri-implant mucosal zenith location, papillae lengths, and peri-implant Plaque Index and bleeding on probing were statistically compared.Forty-eight conus interface implants, 49 flat-to-flat interface implants, and 44 platform-switched implants were placed in 141 subjects. Six platform-switched interface and eight flatto- flat interface implants failed, most of them within 3 months. After 5 years, 33 conical interface, 28 flat-to-flat interface, and 27 platform-switched interface implants remained for evaluation. Calculation of marginal bone level change showed a mean marginal bone loss of -0.16 ± 0.45 (-1.55 to 0.65), -0.92 ± 0.70 (-2.90 to 0.20), and -0.81 ± 1.06 (-3.35 to 1.35) mm for conical interface, flat-to-flat interface, and platform-switched interface implants, respectively (P.0005). The peri-implant mucosal zenith changes were minimal for all three interface designs (0.10 mm and +0.08 mm, P.60). Only 16% to 19% of the surfaces had presence of bleeding on probing, with no significant differences (P.81) between groups. Interproximal tissue changes were positive and similar among the implant interface designs.Over 5 years, the immediate provisionalization protocol resulted in stable peri-implant mucosal responses for all three interfaces. Compared with the flat-to-flat and platform-switched interfaces, the conical interface implants demonstrated significantly less early marginal bone loss. The relationship of marginal bone responses and mucosal responses requires further experimental consideration.

Immediate implant placement (IIP) in post-extraction sockets in the anterior zone, with intact facial bone wall and soft tissues (Elian type I), has presented high success rates. The midfacial recession has been reported as the most common post-healing complication. However, the correct diagnosis, the appropriate 3D positioning of the implant, the insertion of bone graft in the gap between the implant and the buccal bone, the placement of connective tissue graft beneath the facial soft tissues followed by immediate aesthetics, or customized abutment placement can significantly decrease the incidence of the referred complication. In sockets with compromised facial bone wall but intact soft tissues (Elian type II), some authors have presented promising results of IIP, but it needs further investigation. There is little evidence for the prognosis of IIP in sockets with resorbed facial bone and soft tissues (Elian type III).

Statement of problem Titanium-supported polyetheretherketone (PEEK) abutments provide an economic alternative to zirconia abutments in esthetically important areas. Research comparing the performance regarding esthetics, longevity, and biologic parameters of PEEK abutments is lacking. Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to determine whether PEEK implant abutments provide similar esthetic and biologic parameters and survival rates as zirconia implant abutments. Material and methods Forty participants (age 20 to 50 years) receiving maxillary anterior and premolar implants were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups: Group PEEK (20 titanium-supported PEEK abutments) and group ZIR (20 zirconia abutments). Both groups were restored with pressed lithium disilicate ceramic crowns. Technical, biologic, and esthetic evaluation was performed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 5 years. The probing pocket depth, plaque control record, and bleeding on probing were recorded at the abutments (test) and compared with those at the corresponding contralateral teeth (control) and also between the 2 test groups. Standardized digital radiographs of the implants were made, and the bone level was recorded with the implant shoulder as the reference on the mesial and distal sides. The color difference between the peri-implant mucosa and control teeth gingiva and the discoloration of the implant crowns were determined with a spectrophotometer. The Student unpaired t test and repeated-measure ANOVA were used to statistically analyze the data (α=.05). Results From the 5-year evaluation, both PEEK and zirconia abutments with ceramic crowns showed 100% survival rate without any fracture or restoration loss. Differences in the biologic parameters of zirconia and PEEK abutments were statistically similar: mean probing pocket depth (group ZIR: 2.32 ±0.50 mm, group PEEK: 2.13 ±0.60 mm); mean plaque control record (group ZIR: 0.19 ±0.19, group PEEK: 0.15 ±0.17); and mean bleeding on probing (group ZIR: 0.12 ±0.11, group PEEK: 0.08 ±0.12). The mean marginal bone loss at 5 years was similar for implants supporting zirconia and PEEK abutments: mean mesial bone level (group ZIR: 1.8 ±0.5 mm; group PEEK: 1.9 ±0.6 mm), and mean distal bone level (group ZIR: 1.7 ±0.6 mm, group PEEK: 1.8 ±0.3 mm). The initial color difference (ΔE) between the peri-implant mucosa and gingiva of the analogous contralateral teeth diminished over time. No discoloration of the definitive restoration supported by PEEK or zirconia was detected over 5 years. Conclusions At the 5-year evaluation, zirconia and PEEK abutments exhibited the same survival rate with similar biologic and esthetic outcomes.

Statement of problem Whether the presence of a screw access channel on the occlusal surface of a lithium disilicate cement-retained single tooth implant restoration reduces its fracture rate is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the fracture rate of lithium disilicate cement-retained posterior single tooth implant restorations with or without screw access channels. The study also evaluated whether the crown dimensions and location of the occlusal screw access channel would affect the fracture rate. Material and methods A split-mouth study was conducted where 40 participants having 2 implants placed to restore single missing posterior teeth with crowns were enrolled. Implants were randomly allocated into a conventional crown group or a screw access group, receiving cement-retained restorations fabricated from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic with and without an occlusal screw access channel. Crown dimensions were recorded in millimeters from the designing software. Follow-up evaluations were made at 3, 6, and 12 months by observing visible cracks or fractures of the crowns. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality was used. Comparisons were carried out by using the Student and Welch t tests (α=.05). Results After a 12-month follow-up period, no crowns fractured or revealed visible cracks, resulting in a 100% success rate. No statistically significant differences were found between the conventional crown group and screw access channel group in all crown dimensions (P>.05). Conclusions The presence of an occlusal screw access channel did not affect the short-term fracture rate of lithium disilicate cement-retained single implant–supported posterior crowns. The amount of axial cantilever, occlusal ceramic thickness, and location of the screw access channel on the occlusal surface of the restoration have no effect on its fracture rate.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare delayed and early loaded single-tooth implant technique. Materials and Methods: A randomized, prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiological parameters of delayed and early loading of single-tooth implant placement. Fourteen male or female patients were selected randomly, who had single tooth missing in mandibular posterior region. A delayed implant placement technique was followed in these regions. A Hi-Tech implant (Life Care Implants) was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: delayed loading group and early loading group. In delayed loading groups, implants were loaded after 3 months, and in early loading groups, implants were loaded within 7 days to 2 months. Soft tissue and radiological bone loss were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The parameters assessed were plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, thickness of peri-implant mucosa, and bone loss (radiographically). Results: The results show that there was no statistical difference in indexes taken between delayed loading and early loading groups. Conclusion: In this study, after first 6 months there was no difference in success rate between delayed loading or early loading of implants. This study also showed that more bone loss occurred around delayed loading implants. So it can be concluded that early loading technique can be successfully practiced instead of delayed loading of implants.

Background Due to chronic inflammation or trauma facial bone is frequently missing after tooth loss in the esthetic zone. As a consequence, procedures to augment or at least to preserve bone are frequently necessary prior to implant placement. Purpose The aim of this retrospective case series is to demonstrate the applicability of a staged all-flapless concept to establish satisfactory implant restorations following situations of partial missing facial bone in the esthetic zone. Materials and methods Radiological/clinical data of 25 patients were analyzed and an esthetic evaluation of 24 patients was performed. The staged concept included ridge preservation at time of tooth extraction and delayed guided implant placement. Marginal bone loss was measured radiologically and esthetic evaluation was performed based on standardized photographs using the Pink Esthetic Score as well as the Papilla Index. Results Implant success rate revealed 100%. The mean radiological peri-implant marginal bone loss measured 1.16 mm (SD: 0.16). Regarding the esthetic outcome 71% of patients were evaluated with a Pink Esthetic Score higher or equal to 10 constituting satisfactory esthetics (median pink esthetic score: 10). The mean follow-up time for clinical and radiographic analysis was 1.3 years (SD: 0.6 years) and 1.2 years (SD: 0.6) for esthetic evaluation. Conclusion Although marginal bone loss cannot be avoided, the staged concept of flapless ridge preservation and subsequent delayed flapless guided implant placement carries the potential to improve esthetics of single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla.

Objectives The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of implant placement timing on the esthetic outcomes for single implants in the anterior maxilla. Materials and methods One hundred and ten patients (48 males; 62 females) who received a single-tooth implant after extraction either immediately (Type 1); after 4-8 weeks (Type 2); after 8-16 weeks (Type 3); or more than 16 weeks (Type 4) were evaluated in terms of esthetic outcomes after a mean post-placement interval of 26.3 months (range 12-116). Esthetic outcomes were measured using the Pink and White Esthetic Score (PES; WES). Stepwise regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of timing of placement, as well as patient demographics and other clinical parameters on the esthetic outcomes. Results No statistically significantly differences in PES were found between the various treatment modalities with Type 1 implants (n = 33) scoring 10.58 ± 1.65 (median: 11), followed by 10.36 ± 2.09 (median: 10.5), 9.68 ± 2.43 (median: 10), and 9.63 ± 2.21 (median: 10) for Type 2 (n = 14), Type 3 (n = 19), and Type 4 (n = 44), respectively. For immediate implants, a trend towards better esthetic outcomes was observed when implant placement was done flaplessly in cases with intact buccal bone (Type 1A, median PES 11) as compared to cases with partial/complete missing buccal plates where a flap was raised (Type 1B, median PES 10). Overall, the only parameter that influenced esthetic outcomes (as measured by PES) was gender, with females having significantly superior results. The median WES was 8 and 96% of the crowns were deemed esthetically acceptable, with crowns placed by specialist prosthodontists yielding higher scores than those placed by general practitioners. Conclusions Single tooth implants in the anterior maxilla showed satisfactory outcomes when measured with objective esthetic criteria. Timing of implant placement did not significantly influence the esthetic outcomes, although a trend towards better outcomes was seen with immediate implant placement as observed by higher median PES values. Clinical significance Single tooth implant placement in the anterior maxilla is a predictable treatment modality for achieving acceptable esthetic outcomes regardless of the timing of placement.

Criteria for successful implants, in the rehabilitation of a single missing tooth in the esthetic area, should be determined by composite outcomes, including functional and esthetic aspects of soft tissues and the reconstruction, as well as patient-reported outcomes. This paper focuses on current methods in esthetic assessment and patient-centered/reported outcomes in single-tooth implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area. The relationship between subjective, patient-based esthetic evaluations and objective, professional-based esthetic evaluations is reviewed. In spite of increasing interest in the assessment of 'success' in implant dentistry, it is not yet possible to provide evidence-based conclusions because of the lack of consensus on a universal implant-supported crown esthetic index. There is also a need to standardize reporting of patient-centered outcomes in partially edentulous patients treated with implants.

Objective To evaluate the impact of the timing of restoration on clinical and aesthetic outcomes following immediate implant placement in the maxillary aesthetic zone. Material and methods Forty patients (16 males, 24 females) with a mean age of 50.55 ± 12.79 years (range 19-74) who had a single maxillary anterior tooth replaced by an immediate implant were included in this study. Twenty patients had their implant restored immediately with a provisional restoration (Group A), while the other 20 patients had a delayed restoration placed after 3-4 months of non-submerged healing (Group B). Clinical parameters and hard-tissue changes were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 3 years. Aesthetic evaluation was carried out using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and the White Esthetic Score (WES). Results No significant differences were observed in the bone level changes between the two groups: 0.05 ± 0.65 mm mesially and 0.06 ± 0.52 mm distally for the immediate group and 0.30 ± 0.54 mm mesially and 0.21 ± 0.60 mm distally for the delayed group, respectively. The median PES scores were 11.5 for Group A and 10 for Group B. Mean PES and WES scores did not differ significantly between Groups A and B: PES (11.1 vs. 10.3; p = .16) and WES (8.4 vs. 7.8; p = .16). In terms of individual PES variables, the distal papillae were significantly better in Group A as compared to Group B (p = .006). Conclusions Within the limits of this study, timing of restoration seemed to positively affect the aesthetic outcomes of immediately placed implants as evidenced by higher median PES values for the immediate restoration group when compared to the delayed restoration group. Restoration timing had no impact on the individual PES variables, except for the distal papillary height which was superior in the immediate restoration group.