Periapical Lesions and Immediate Implants

In 25 patients (13 men, 12 women), certain clinical and radiological parameters were retrospectively evaluated with particular interest in survival and success rates of the implants (total of 30 implants, 21 in the maxilla, 9 in the mandible) placed immediately to extraction sites of teeth with chronic periapical lesions. These parameters included mobility and the presence or absence of chronic pain, probing depth, gingival index, radiographic measurements of crestal bone loss on mesial and distal aspects of the implants.

Inclusion criteria

• To have 1 or more teeth with a chronic periapical lesion that requiring extraction.
• The chronic periapical lesion should be determined as an asymptomatic periapical radiolucency with a diameter ranging between 4 and 8 mm.
• The patients undergoing tooth extraction must have been treated with an immediate implant placement procedure.
• At the time of extraction and implant placement, the neighboring teeth must have had healthy periodontal and periapical status.

Exclusion criteria

• Age younger than 18 years
• Any systemic disease or medication that might compromise osseointegration, bone or soft tissue healing
• Smoking
• Purulent exudate during the extraction
• Severe deficiency of soft and/or hard tissue in implant region
• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• History of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Severe parafunctional habits