Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) of nonsubmerged implants in immediate extraction sites

The learning objective of this article is the placement of nonsubmerged implants immediately after extraction, with membrane barriers, according to the principles of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Fixtures were immobilized by engaging bone beyond the apex and were exposed to the oral cavity during healing. The implants and cell-occlusive barriers were placed in 6 patients; all barriers were removed by week 10. Three patients received freeze-dried bone allografts. A systemic antibiotic, an oral antimicrobial rinse, and reinforced plaque removal were employed. Radiographic and attachment level measurements at 3 and 6 months indicated that osseous regeneration had taken place and was still ongoing. All fixtures were restored after each implant reached 6-month maturity.