Single-Tooth Replacement in the Maxillary Esthetic Zone with Immediate Implant Insertion and Definitive Abutment Placement and Provisionalization: 1-Year Results of a Prospective Case Series.

This prospective longitudinal study evaluated the peri-implant soft tissue remodeling, marginal bone levels, and implant success rate of immediately placed single implants-which received a definitive zirconia abutment and provisional restoration at implant placement-in the maxillary esthetic zone. The final crown was delivered 7 days later. Patients (n = 26) presenting a single extraction-indicated lateral or central incisor with adequate bone volume were eligible for this study. Mesial and distal papilla levels (MPL and DPL, respectively), facial gingival level (FGL), and mesial and distal marginal bone levels (MMBL and DMBL, respectively) were assessed after 7 days and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients were classified according to gingival phenotype: thin (≤ 2 mm) or thick (> 2 mm). After 1 year, the implant success rate was 100%. Mean soft tissue recession was -0.04 ± 0.15 mm (MPL), -0.09 ± 0.02 mm (DPL), and -0.13 ± 0.18 mm (FGL). Mean bone remodeling at 1 year was 0.12 ± 0.17 mm (MMBL) and 0.13 ± 0.18 mm (DMBL). The marginal interproximal bone was above the implant platform in 100% of sites. Patients with thick phenotype showed significantly less papillary recession than thin-phenotype patients. Minimal peri-implant hard and soft tissue changes were observed at the 1-year follow-up.