Evaluation of single-tooth replacement by an immediate implant covered with connective tissue graft as a biologic barrier

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival rate of Screw-Vent(®) immediate implants augmented with sub epithelial connective tissue graft for single-tooth replacement for 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (five men and five women), with the mean age of 25.3 years, were consecutively treated on the out-patient basis by the placement of Screw-Vent(®) dental implants in to the fresh extraction sockets in association of augmentation with sub epithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palate, supporting single crowns. The clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue health and marginal bone loss, respectively, for each patient at baseline and at every 3 months interval for 1 year. RESULTS: The 1 year cumulative survival rate of Screw-Vent(®) dental implants was 100% for all 10 patients. Statistical analysis demonstrated highly significant values indicating an improvement in peri-implant soft tissue parameters in terms of peri-implant aesthetic parameters, which estimated the keratinized mucosa width. Statistically, non-significant marginal bone loss or gain indicated stable condition in hard tissue parameters. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Single-tooth replacement by Screw-Vent(®) dental implants in to a fresh extraction socket, in association with guided bone regeneration using autologous connective tissue graft is a predictable treatment as demonstrated by the 100% implant survival rates and appreciable increase in the width of the keratinized mucosa at 1 year follow up.