Introduction: 

The purpose of this retrospective study is to report on the 5-year clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients treated with Replace Select Tapered TiUnite implants when used in accordance with an immediate loading protocol in post-extraction sites. The study aims to evaluate the use of immediate loading protocols in post-extraction sockets, specifically the use of Replace Select Tapered TiUnite implants. The use of immediate loading protocols has been well-documented in healed sites, such as the completely edentulous mandible and partially edentulous upper jaw. However, the use of immediate loading protocols in post-extraction sockets, particularly in the anterior maxilla, is still controversial. The study will report on the long-term clinical experience with such implants and the importance of correct surgical and prosthetic treatment planning.

Method and Materials: 

This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of 56 consecutive patients who received 79 Replace Select Tapered TiUnite implants in a routine practice setting. The patients, which included 23 males and 33 females, had a mean age of 50.9 years (range 21-76 years) at the time of implant placement. The study included 47 implants placed in the maxilla and 32 placed in the mandible. All implants were placed in post-extraction sites and were immediately loaded with provisional restorations delivered within 2 hours of surgery. The 43 patients received a single implant, while the remaining 13 patients received splinted implants. Definitive prosthetic restorations were delivered between 1-4 months after implant placement. The study evaluated soft tissue health and marginal bone remodeling, and an independent radiologist performed radiographic evaluations using the top of the implant as a reference point, with negative values indicating a level below the reference point.

Results:

In this study, 48 patients (66 implants) were followed for 5 years with no implant failures, resulting in a 100% survival rate. Three patients withdrew from the study, one passed away, and five did not attend their recall appointment. The majority of the followed implants had normal surrounding tissue and no plaque. The average bone loss was 0.56 mm over the 5 years, and only one complication (a ceramic crown fracture) was reported. Overall, the results of the study indicate successful outcomes for immediate placement and loading of dental implants in post-extraction sockets.

References 

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