Sealing Socket Abutments (SSAs) in Molar Immediate Implants with a Digitalized CAD/CAM Protocol: Soft Tissue Contour Changes and Radiographic Outcomes After 2 Years

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2021 Mar-Apr;41(2):235-244. doi: 10.11607/prd.4579.

Abstract

Immediate implant placement in molar sites has the potential to improve the patient experience by reducing the number of appointments and the overall treatment time. However, primary closure remains a technical challenge. The present prospective case series evaluated the soft tissue contours and the radiographic bone levels of 17 patients who received immediate implants in molar sites and a digitally customized CAD/CAM sealing socket abutment. At the 2-year follow-up, the mean buccal tissue contours at the most coronal portion were reduced horizontally by an average of 1 mm at 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm below the gingival margin. A mean 0.53-mm apical migration of the gingival margin was seen, and the mean interproximal bone level at the 2-year follow-up was 0.89 mm. The use of CAD/CAM-generated customized healing abutments in immediate molar sites yielded minimal hard and soft tissue changes at the 2-year follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Dental Abutments
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous
  • Dental Implants*
  • Dental Implants, Single-Tooth*
  • Humans
  • Molar / diagnostic imaging
  • Molar / surgery
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tooth Socket / surgery

Substances

  • Dental Implants