A Prospective Analysis of Immediate Provisionalization of Single Implants

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the viability of immediately provisionalized single-tooth implants. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty patients (86 female, 54 male) with a mean age at implant placement of 45 years (range, 15-88 years) needing single-tooth replacement, were treated between July 1999 and December 2004. Single-tooth implants were placed and provisionalized the day of the surgery. All implants were manufactured by Nobel Biocare (Yorba Linda, CA) and had multiple diameters and configurations. The majority of the implants used in this study had oxidized titanium surfaces. The contours of the restorations were designed to mimic the original teeth and root forms. The morphology of the restorations provides support of the labial gingiva. Results: Over 5.5 years, 164 implants were placed and immediately provisionalized. Sixty-four implants were placed immediately post extraction. Seven implants failed, yielding an overall survival rate of 95.73%. Conclusion: The application of an immediate provisionalization protocol to a single implant can be successful if the proper precautions are taken in achieving passive occlusion.