Purpose: Several procedures are performed to achieve optimal esthetic results in single-tooth

implants. However, there is discordance regarding the potential benefit and risks of immediate

implant loading/provisionalization. The aim of this prospective case series is to investigate

the effect of immediate provisionalization of single-tooth implants at healed sites for periimplant

soft-tissue conditions, focusing on papilla formation around single implants.

Materials and Methods: Twelve patients received a total of 12 implants in the incisor, canine

or premolar region of the upper and lower jaw at healed sites with immediate chair-side

provisionalization. Four months later, the temporary crown was replaced by the permanent

crown. After 40±13.1 months, clinical follow-up was conducted, assessing Probing pocket

depth (PPD); Bleeding on Probing(BoP); Mucosal recession (MR) and Width of Keratinized

Mucosa (KM). Papilla index (PI) was determined immediately after implant placement 

(baseline), before removing the temporary crown (t1), 4 weeks after insertion of the definitive

crown (t2) and at the final follow-up examination (t3) to evaluate papilla formation and its

change over time. Results: None of the implants were lost. The mean PPD was 2.5±0.39 mm,

BoP of 25% and 3.5 mm of KM were observed at the final follow-up. No implants showed

MR. PI increased in all patients from 1.5±0.45 at baseline to 2.4±0.56 at t1, 2.6±0.47 at t2 and

3.02.6±0 at t3. The increase in PI between t0 and each individual timepoint from t1-t3 showed

statistical significance. Conclusion: The present results indicate the suitability and benefit of

immediate provisionalization to achieve favorable peri-implant soft-tissue conditions and

papilla formation.