Immediate implant placement in posterior areas: the mandibular arch

When contemplating removal of a premolar or molar and its immediate replacement with an implant-supported prosthesis, the feasibility of other potentially less "aggressive" treatment approaches must first be considered. Treatment decisions must be made in the context of an appropriate definition of therapeutic success. Replacement of hopeless mandibular molars with implant restorations has undergone significant evolution since the introduction of osseointegrated implants some 30 years ago. Over the past decade, various treatment approaches have been advocated. This article discusses these approaches and other considerations needed for implant placement at the time of mandibular molar extraction.