Minimum Criteria for Immediate Provisionalization of Single-Tooth Dental Implants in Extraction Sites: A 1-Year Retrospective Study of 100 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

Minimum criteria were used in the placement of 100 consecutive provisional restorations on single-tooth dental implants placed into extraction sites within 3 days of surgery. Provisional restorations were placed on 4.1- and 4.8-mm diameter standard ITI (Straumann, Waltham, MA) implants in the anterior mandible and maxilla in 100 treatment sites over a 3-year period. Provisionals were placed despite low insertion torque values of 15 N-cm or 50 implant stability quotient using radiofrequency analysis. Implants had final impressions for definitive restorations done 8 to 12 weeks after implant placement. All patients were recalled 1 year after restoration and evaluated according to parameters suggested by Albrektsson et al (Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 1:11, 1986). One implant was not osseointegrated. The remaining implants were judged successful at the 1-year recall appointment. Immediate provisionalization of implants placed into fresh extraction sites can be effective even when minimal provisionalization criteria are met.