Aesthetics outcome of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in the anterior maxilla: A case series study

Background. Immediate single implant placement and restoration (IIR) is recognized as a novel method and is the main request of many patients. This study was designed to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets in theanterior maxilla.

Methods. In this case series study, 18 patients were selected from two private clinics after placing a single-tooth implant in the anterior maxilla. Immediate provisional crowns were delivered on the following day or at most 48 hours later, and guidelines were provided. The Pink Esthetic Score (PES) questionnaire was used at 6- and 12-month follow-ups to assess aesthetic outcomes. Data were analyzed with single t-test and dependent t-test.

Results. In general, the results showed that the status of the mesial papilla, distal papilla, curve of the facial soft tissue line, level of the facial peri-implant mucosa and root convexity soft tissue in IIR method were optimal (P<0.05), with total PES means of 9.44±0.783 and 8.58±1.003 after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Also, the results showed a significant difference in PES between the 6-month and 12-month intervals (P<0.05).

Conclusion. IIR is a viable method that resulted in optimal aesthetic outcomes based on PES in the short term. Considering its confirmation in this study and previous studies, it is recommended that dentists apply this method.