Immediate Fixture Placement: A Treatment Planning Alternative

The rationale and possible clinical applications of an immediate fixture placement technique are described. Although this concept may be a somewhat radical departure from the conventional mandibular protocol, there are significant potential patient benefits with no apparent change in anticipated fixture survival rates. A similar approach in the maxilla may be less practical with most presenting dentitions, but there is evidence that further research may make immediate fixture placement equally appropriate in this arch. Keywords: immediate fixture placement, mandible, maxilla, osseointegration, treatment planning