Background: Customized sealing socket abutment (SSA) has been claimed to optimize the peri-implant hard and soft tissues in type 1 implant placement. However, the evidence to claim the benefits of this technique over the use a conventional healing abutment remains weak.
Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to provide a 3D-radiographic evaluation of hard tissues changes following immediate implant placement in molar sites combined to ARP technique and installation of SSA.
Materials and methods: Baseline and follow-up (FU) CBCTs (from 1 to 5 years) of 26 patients were collected and included in the study. Baseline and FU CBCTs were superimposed and horizontal and vertical bone changes were assessed.
Results: A total of 26 patients and 27 implants were included. Horizontal bone remodeling was not significant in any of the measured areas except in the most cervical level, where a mean bone remodeling of 0.73 mm was found. Proximal and buccal vertical bone changes were not significant.
Conclusions: Within the limits of a retrospective study, dimensional alveolar ridge changes 1 to 5 years after immediate implant placement in molar sites with simultaneous ARP technique and installation of SSA seem to be very limited.
Keywords: 3D; CBCT; alveolar ridge preservation; immediate implant placement; molar site; radiological; sealing socket abutment.
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