Histologic and histomorphometric assessments of provisionally restored dental implants.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Immediate provisionalization of dental implants has been considered a safe and predictable treatment modality; however, histologic evidence from human biopsies remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and clinical outcomes of immediately provisionalized implants.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective clinical study included 5 patients receiving 7 immediately provisionalized implants in both the maxilla and mandible. All implants achieved primary stability and were restored with provisional restorations that were loaded with light centric contacts. Biopsies were obtained at 3 months and processed for histologic and histomorphometric analysis.

RESULTS

All implants remained clinically stable throughout the observation period, resulting in a 100 % survival rate. Histologic examination confirmed direct bone-to-implant contact (BIC), with newly formed lamellar bone observed along the implant surface. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a mean BIC of 76.51 ± 7.91 %, which is comparable to values reported in conventionally loaded implants. No adverse biological or prosthetic events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Immediate provisional implants demonstrated substantial BIC and favorable clinical outcomes in this study. These findings provide histologic confirmation that immediate provisionalization is a safe and efficacious protocol when primary stability and careful occlusal management are achieved.