Purpose: Immediate implant placement is a reliable solution to replace hopeless teeth, but this procedure may be associated to an increased risk of soft tissue complications in case of thin biotype. The use of tissue-level implants with a convergent transmucosal profile has been advocated to increase space for soft tissue, contributing to improve their stability and esthetics. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the esthetic outcomes and the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) of immediately placed implants with a convergent transmucosal profile. Materials and methods: This single-cohort, monocentric, retrospective clinical study was conducted on patients treated with an immediately placed implant in the esthetic zone (from premolar to premolar). All the eligible patients were recalled for a clinical and radiographic follow-up visit. Results: This study included 20 patients (8 males, 12 females) with an average age of 55.5± 6.8 years, who received 20 implants, with a mean follow-up of 46.5± 15.3 months. At the time of follow-up, immediately placed implants showed a mean Marginal Bone Loss of 0.42± 0.49 mm, and a statistically significant improvement of the esthetic parameters from baseline to the last available follow-up; in particular, Pink and White esthetic scores (p=.001) and Papilla Index at mesial and distal sites (p<.001). All the patients reported a high satisfaction (VAS>9) both from esthetic and functional point of view. Conclusion: Immediately placed implants with convergent transmucosal profile in the esthetic zone showed good clinical and esthetic outcomes, with stable results over time.
Keywords: Immediate placement, prostheses, cohort study, tissue-level