Background: The aim of the present study was to assess bone volume changes in maxillary molar regions after delayed implants placement.
Materials and methods: Patients presented large bone defects after tooth extractions. Reactive soft tissue was left into the defects. No grafts were used. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed before tooth extractions, at implant placement (at 3 months from extraction) and 3 years after implant placement, bone volume measurements were assessed.
Results: Bucco-lingual width showed a statistically significant decrease (p = .013) at implant placement, 3 months after extraction. Moreover, a statistically significant increase (p < .01) was measured 3 years after implant placement. No statistically significant differences (p > .05) were found between baseline values (before extraction) and at 3 years from implant placement. Vertical dimension showed no statistically significant differences (p > .05) at implant placement, 3 months after extraction. Statistically significant differences (p < .0001) were found between baseline values (before extraction) and at 3 months from implant placement as well as between implant placement values and 3 years later.
Conclusion: CT scans presented successful outcome of delayed implants placed in large bone defects at 3-year follow-up.
Keywords: bone defects; dental implants; magnetic mallet; reactive soft tissue.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.