Immediate placement of implants into extraction sockets: implant survival.

In 51 patients (21 males and 30 females) aged 16 to 72 years, a total of 109 Nobelpharma implants were placed into extraction sockets immediately following extraction. The follow-up period varied between 1 and 67 months with a mean of 30.5 months. Osseointegration was determined by clinical stability, lack of symptoms, and lack of peri-implant pathology based on radiographic examination. The implant survival rate was 93.6%. Six implants were mobile at the abutment connection stage, and one was lost when function commenced. The success rate was 92.0% for implants replacing teeth extracted because of periodontitis and 95.8% for implants replacing teeth extracted for other reasons. Two other complications occurred: 12 cover screws perforated the gingiva during healing; and infection developed in five cases. The incidence of infection was higher in the periodontitis group. It was found that immediate placement of implants into extraction sockets is a safe and predictable procedure if certain guidelines are followed.