Immediate Provisionalization of Dental Implants Placed in Fresh Extraction Sockets Using a Flapless Technique

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the 24-month clinical outcomes of immediate provisionalization of dental implants placed in fresh extraction sockets using a flapless technique. Fifteen patients were included under strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients required one or two teeth to be extracted for lesions with a hopeless prognosis in the maxillary monoradicular or first premolar region. Twenty implants were placed immediately after tooth extraction, and immediate provisionalization was performed. Sixteen implants had a diameter of 5 mm, and four implants had a diameter of 3.80 mm, all with a 13-mm length. After 24 months of follow-up, a cumulative survival rate of 100% was reported for all implants. Modified Bleeding Index (mBI), modified Plaque Index (mPI), probing depth (PD), marginal gingiva level (MGL), and keratinized mucosa (KM) remained stable for up to 24 months. Mean MGL at 24 months was 0.22 ± 0.15 mm; no significant changes occurred in MGL between baseline and 24 months. Mean KM remained stable from baseline to 24 months. At 24 months, a mean bone loss of 0.83 ± 0.52 mm was measured. The results of this study indicate that flapless surgery for immediately provisionalized implants placed in fresh extraction sockets provides soft tissue and marginal bone maintenance for up to 24 months of follow-up.