The clinic effect of immediate single-tooth implants and non-functional provisional crowns in the anterior maxilla

Objective To observe the clinical effect of the restoration of a single upper missing tooth with immediate implant placement and non-functional prosthesis in the aesthetic area. Methods Seven consecutive patients with un-savable single teeth in the aesthetic zone were included. Teeth were extracted and replaced with immediate implant and non-functional provisional crowns. Suitable permanent abutments were chosen and porcelain-fused-metal or allceramic restorations were made on the abutments after 6 months. Patients were followed up 1 year after crown insertion. The marginal bone level around the implant and Pink Esthetic Score (PES) value immediately after crown insertion and 1 year later were measured for comparison. Results The success rate of implant was 100%, mesial and distal peri-implant bone changes were (0.79 ± 0.48)mm and (0.71 ± 0.46)mm respectively. The average PES value was (8.6 ± 1.3) and (11.1 ± 1.8), respectively. Significant difference was found by Walcoxon analysis (P =0.027). Conclusions For strictly selected cases, single-tooth immediate implant and immediate nonfunctional prosthetsis is an effective method. Good appearance can be achieved and the esthetics of peri-implant soft tissue can be improved over time.