Bone-Level Changes Around Delayed Dental Implants in Previous Large Bone Defects Filled with Reactive Soft Tissue...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Bone Regeneration
• Periodontology

Background:

• Large bone defects pose challenges for dental implant placement.
• Reactive soft tissue has shown potential in bone regeneration.
• Delayed implant placement allows for initial tissue healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess bone regeneration around delayed implants in large defects.
• To evaluate the long-term (3-year) stability of regenerated bone.
• To utilize cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for volumetric analysis.

Main Methods:

• Patients with large bone defects after tooth extraction were included.
• Defects were managed with reactive soft tissue, without bone grafts.
• CBCT scans were taken pre-extraction, at implant placement (3 months), and at 3-year follow-up for bone volume assessment.

Main Results:

• Bone volume gain was observed at 3 months post-extraction (mean 8.34 mm).
• Bone levels were maintained at 3 years (mean 10.47 mm) with no significant difference.
• Results were consistent across single-rooted and multirooted sites, and in maxillary/mandibular defects.

Conclusions:

• Delayed implants in large bone defects filled with reactive soft tissue demonstrate successful outcomes.
• CBCT imaging confirms significant bone regeneration and long-term stability.
• This technique offers a viable alternative for managing significant bone loss prior to implant placement.