Simple diagnostic method to assess the available bone for immediate implant placement in an extracted socket

The success rate of immediate tooth replacement has been well documented in the literature. To achieve long-term success of dental implants, evaluation of the dimensions of the resorbing alveolar process must be accurate because an implant should be surrounded by at least 1 mm of bone. To minimize facial gingival recession, an intact labial bony plate along with an osseous-gingival relationship of 3 mm on the facial aspect of the failing tooth has been suggested. This article mentions a technique wherein the amount of available labial and palatal bone of an extracted socket can be assessed by using the extracted tooth that is to be replaced with an endosseous implant and a ridge mapping procedure without reflecting the flap.