Purpose: To evaluate the success and survival of immediately placed tapered implants to support fixed restorations in the maxilla and mandible.
Materials and methods: The study was a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study of patients requiring tooth extraction who requested an implant-supported restoration in the maxilla or mandible. Patients received at least one tapered implant (either immediately after tooth extraction or at a later time point). Abutments were placed 42 to 56 days after surgery, and prostheses were placed after a further 14 days. Treatment and implant success were the primary effectiveness criteria, and secondary parameters included radiographic bone loss, patient satisfaction, and gingival health.
Results: A total of 436 patients were enrolled, of whom 376 were included in the safety analysis. Single implants were placed in 77% of patients, two implants in 16%, and three or more implants in the remainder. The cumulative implant survival rates for immediately placed implants were 98.3% after 1 year and 97.7% from 2 to 5 years. Patient satisfaction was good or excellent in most patients and the majority of implants showed no or < 1-mm change in bone level for up to 5 years.
Conclusions: The survival rate of immediately placed tapered implants was comparable to that found in other studies. Immediate implant placement with tapered implants can allow rapid rehabilitation with no adverse impact on implant survival.