Immediate implant placement following minimally invasive extraction: a case report with a 6-year follow-up

Single tooth replacement with a dental implant has become an increasingly favored treatment option in the anterior maxilla; however, bone resorption following maxillary anterior tooth extraction is very common and often compromises gingival tissue for the implant restoration. Achieving predictable peri-implant esthetics requires a proper understanding and preservation of the osseous and gingival tissue surrounding the failing tooth. Therefore, the key to maintaining the interproximal papillae is to preserve the osseous support with minimally invasive extraction. An immediate implant insertion after tooth extraction may maintain the crest bone and the interdental papillae, thus achieving peri-implant esthetics. This article describes the detailed treatment planning and meticulous techniques in immediate implant placement that reduce treatment time and maintain functional as well as esthetic results through a 6-year follow-up.