Immediate replacement of single upper posterior teeth: a report of cases.

BACKGROUND

The immediate replacement of upper molar teeth with implants poses a significant challenge to the clinician because of its sinus involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to report a protocol in which single molar teeth are replaced immediately with implants, minimizing the need for other surgical procedures.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This protocol has been employed in eight cases. Briefly, the teeth are extracted atraumatically, the sockets evaluated, an osteotomy performed following the direction of the socket, and a wide diameter implant placed using the socket walls and sinus floor to anchor it. A grafting material is placed when the space between implant and socket wall is considerably large. Three cases are reviewed here, and all eight are summarized.

RESULTS

All cases have excellent soft and hard tissue healing after 6 months. Furthermore, the overall time needed to restore the cases has been considerably reduced and the need for sinus management eliminated.

CONCLUSION

The cases presented support the use of the described protocol in the placement of implants in maxillary molar areas without any other sinus procedures.