Extraction, immediate-load implants, impressions and final restorations in two patient visits.

BACKGROUND

Since the advent of immediately loaded implants, patients have experienced shorter treatment times, reduced amount of surgical therapy, preserved gingival esthetics and the comfort and security of fixed prostheses. Practitioners have experienced less expense in the form of chair time and greater patient satisfaction.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present two cases in which, at the first clinical visit, they extracted maxillary incisors, placed hydroxyapatite-coated implants, took impressions for final restorations and stabilized the implants immediately with a fixed interim prosthesis. At the second clinical visit, the authors placed the final restorations. All of the implants were integrated clinically, and gingival esthetics appeared to have benefited from preservation of papillary form, which was made possible with fixed interim anterior restorations. The patients expressed satisfaction with the results particularly because the treatment was accomplished in two clinical visits.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The cases presented demonstrate a technique that may be of value to therapists who place immediate-load implants. The long-term effectiveness of immediate-load implants requires further evidence to ensure their long-term usefulness and safety.