The Ways and Wherefores of Immediate Placement of Implants Into Fresh Extraction Sites: A Literature Review

Abstract

A waiting period of 12 months or longer to allow total socket healing used to be accepted protocol for placing dental implants. More than 15 years of research and clinical practice were needed for the concept of immediate endossceous implantation into fresh extraction sites to be accepted. Today the dilemma is no longer when, but which, protocol to follow. The diverse recommendations found in the literature leave the practitioner confused as to the methodology of choice. The conclusions drawn after reviewing the relevant literature on immediate dental implantation are: 1) implants placed into fresh extraction sockets have a high rate of survival, ranging between 93.9% to 100%; 2) implants must be placed 3 to 5 mm beyond the apex in order to gain a maximal degree of stability; 3) implants should be placed as close as possible to the alveolar crest level (0 to 3 mm); 4) there is no consensus regarding the need for gap filling and the best grafting material; 5) the use of membrane does not imply better results-on the contrary, membrane exposure may carry complications in its wake; and 6) the absolute need for primary closure remains to be established.