Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 18, 2021
Instant provisionalization of immediate single-tooth implants is essential to optimize esthetic treatment outcome
Tim De Rouck1, Kristiaan Collys, Iris Wyn
1Dental Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. tim.de.rouck@vub.ac.be
Objective:
The immediate single-tooth implant has become a viable treatment option. However, the impact of the restorative procedure on esthetics is currently unclear. The goal of this study was to compare the soft tissue outline at immediate implants following two restorative protocols: immediate connection of a temporary crown or submerged healing during which a removable partial denture is used.
Material And Methods:
A 1-year single-blind randomized clinical study was performed in 49 patients. Twenty-four patients were assigned to the immediate restoration group and 25 to the delayed restoration group. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of soft and hard tissues were carried out after 3, 6 and 12 months.
Results:
Implant survival, bone remodeling, probing depth and bleeding tendency were not influenced by the restorative protocol. Delayed restoration resulted in initial papilla loss taking up to 1 year to attain comparable height as for immediate restoration. Midfacial recession was systematically 2.5-3 times higher following delayed restoration pointing to a 0.75 mm additional loss in comparison with immediate restoration after 1 year.
Conclusions:
If the primary implant stability permits it, immediate single-tooth implants should be instantly provisionalized in the interest of optimal midfacial esthetics.