Immediate Provisionalization of Mini-Implants with Friction-Engaging Abutments in the Mandibular Anterior Region: A 1-year Retrospective Study

This study evaluated the immediate provisionalization of mini-implants with friction-engaging abutments in the mandibular anterior region. A total of 43 mini-implants placed in 30 consecutive patients had a survival rate of 100% over a follow-up period of 1 to 4 years. The overall change in marginal bone level from definitive restoration delivery to 1 year for a single-tooth mini-implant replacement was -0.17 ± 0.42 mm, demonstrating bone gain. The mean changes in marginal bone level on the mesial and distal aspects were -0.18 ± 0.46 mm and -0.16 ± 0.40 mm, respectively, also representing bone gain. The difference between the mesial and distal change in bone level was not statistically significant (P = .93). The peri-implant soft tissue remained relatively unchanged at 1 year posttreatment.