Immediate Implant Placement

Loss of soft and hard tissue is common after tooth extraction. Substantial resorption of alveolar bone compromises esthetics and may result in prosthetic and surgical limitations. Immediate implant placement at the time of tooth extraction is used to maintain alveolar ridge dimensions. Clinical studies support the successful outcome of immediate placement of dental implants in fresh extraction sockets; comparative clinical studies have found that implant survival rates after immediate placement are similar to those after delayed placement. This article addresses surgical techniques for immediate implant placement and the prevention and the management of complications associated with this procedure.