Contour Augmentation Simultaneous to Immediate Implant Placement in Compromised Sockets: A Retrospective Study

The objective of this case series was to evaluate the effectiveness of contour augmentation by means of guided bone regeneration (GBR), with or without a simultaneous subepithelial connective tissue graft, performed in conjunction with immediate implant placement (IIP) in compromised fresh extraction sockets.

A retrospective case series was conducted to assess the performance of IIP combined with contour augmentation using GBR in non-molar sites. In cases presenting a thin soft tissue phenotype (<1.5 mm) or high esthetic demand, a connective tissue graft was additionally performed. Clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated in implants with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after final prosthesis delivery. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess buccal (BBT) and palatal bone thickness (PBT) at five predefined levels, as well as the vertical distance from the implant shoulder to the facial bony crest (IS). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

A total of 49 implants placed in 28 patients were included. Overall, 93.9% of the implants exhibited peri-implant health. The mean crestal bone level was 0.08 ± 0.21 mm. Mean BBT and PBT at the implant shoulder were 1.85 ± 1.16 mm and 1.91 ± 1.45 mm, respectively. The presence of facial bone coronal to the implant shoulder (IS) was observed in 91.8% of the cases, with a mean height of 1.46 ± 1.28 mm. PROs indicated an improvement in quality of life without reported adverse effects.

Contour augmentation using guided bone regeneration, performed simultaneously with immediate implant placement in compromised fresh extraction sockets, resulted in favorable clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes.