Influence of design implant and apical depth in post-extraction sockets: an in vitro simulated study

BACKGROUND: Implant design and apical stability are principal parameters involved in achieving successful primary stability. Using polyurethane models to simulate post-extraction sockets, we investigated the effects of using differing blade designs on the primary stability of tapered implants and the impact of apical depth. METHOD: Six polyurethane blocks were used to simulate post-extraction pockets. One of the implants presented self-tapping blades (Group A), while the other (Group B) did not. Seventy-two implants were placed at 3 different depths (5 mm, 7 mm, and 9 mm), and a torque wrench was used to measure the stability of the implants. RESULTS: When evaluating the implants (placed at 5 mm, 7 mm, and 9 mm apical to the socket), we observed that the torque of the Group B implants was higher than that of Group A implants (P < 0.01). At the 9-mm depth, there was no difference between the groups (Drive GM 34.92 Ncm and Helix GM 32.33 Ncm) (P > 0.001), and considering the same implant groups, those placed at 7-mm and 9-mm depths presented higher torques (p < 0.01) than those placed at 5-mm (p > 0.01). CONCLUSION: Considering both groups, we concluded that an insertion depth of greater than 7 mm is needed for initial stability, and in situations involving reduced supportive bone tissue or low bone density, a non-self-tapping thread design improves implant stability. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-023-02999-9.