A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Grafting the Facial Gap at Immediately Placed Implants.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Implantology

Background:

• Postextraction alveolar bone resorption is a challenge for immediate implant placement.
• Managing bone dimensions is crucial for successful esthetic and functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of anorganic xenograft on facial alveolar bone dimensions after immediate implant placement.
• To compare esthetic outcomes between immediate implant placement with and without bone grafting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving flapless, one-stage immediate implant placement.
• Facial alveolar bone dimension and pink esthetic scores were measured 10 months post-surgery.
• Implants were placed in extraction sockets with or without anorganic xenograft.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference was found in the mean facial crestal alveolar bone thickness between the grafted (1.63 ± 0.71 mm) and non-grafted (1.47 ± 0.85 mm) groups (P = .950).
• Secondary outcomes, including pink esthetic scores, also showed no significant differences between the groups.
• Evidence of bone formation was observed on the facial surface of implants in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Immediate implant placement in extraction sockets can achieve favorable bone dimensions without the routine use of anorganic xenograft.
• Natural bone apposition occurs along the facial aspect of implants placed in extraction sockets.
• Bone grafting material may not be necessary to manage facial alveolar bone dimensions in all immediate implant placement cases.