The role of immediate provisional restorations on implants with a hydrophilic surface: A randomised, single-blind controlled clinical trial

Objectives To compare the radiographic bone changes, clinical parameters and aesthetic outcomes of immediately provisionalised and conventionally restored implants at 12- and 24-months post-implant placement. Material and methods In 24 patients, 24 bone level implants with a hydrophilic (SLActive) surface were placed in healed sites and they were either immediately provisionalised with a non-occluding temporary crown (test group) or left without a crown (control group). In both groups, the definitive restoration was placed 16 weeks after implant placement. Clinical and radiographic parameters were calculated at 12- and 24-months post-implant placement, together with implant success/survival rates according to three different sets of criteria. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated through the Papilla Fill Index and the Pink Aesthetic Score. Results The mean marginal bone loss at 1 year was −0.73 mm (SD 0.83 mm) in the test group and −0.22 mm (SD 0.46 mm) in the control group (p > .05). Whilst 100% survival rate and positive aesthetic outcomes were recorded in both groups, three patients of the test group did not fulfil all success criteria. Conclusions Immediate provisionalisation may represent a viable option for the replacement of single missing teeth, with radiographic, clinical and aesthetic results comparable to those of conventionally loaded implants at 2 years of follow-up.