Immediate loading: three cases with up to 38 months of clinical follow-up.

Since the first report describing the placement of dental implants into fresh extraction sockets, there has been an increasing interest in this technique. The advantages of immediate implant placement have been reported to include a reduction in the number of surgical interventions, potentially decreased alveolar bone resorption after tooth loss, and shorter treatment time. Appropriate indications, good surgical technique, and the use of a prosthetic protocol have resulted in success for immediate loading and immediate implantation. Adverse patient-related factors, such as systemic health, a smoking habit, poor oral hygiene, presence of a thin biotype, or an infection in the region of the extraction, are contraindications for this treatment. Patient satisfaction is very high, and some difficulties related to the implantation site in late implantations may be eliminated. This article reports on three cases of immediate loading with up to 30 months of clinical follow-up.