Bone Ring Augmentation Around Immediate Implants: A Clinical and Radiographic Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bone ring augmentation technique for three-dimensional augmentation of severely defective sockets along with placement of immediate dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical study was conducted on 14 patients with 15 defective sockets requiring extractions and immediate implant placement. Following extraction, bone ring with an implant osteotomy, harvested from chin, was sculptured and fitted into the extraction socket. The bone apical to the socket was prepared for implant through the central osteotomy of the ring. Implant was then placed through the ring into the apical bone. After 6 months, prosthesis was placed. Clinical and radiographic examination was done to evaluate the soft tissue and crestal bone level around implants immediate postoperatively and at 1(st), 3(rd), 6(th), and 9(th) month postoperatively. RESULTS: Out of 15 grafted sockets, 14 showed an evidence of bone healing with no significant crestal bone resorption. One ring showed soft tissue dehiscence which underwent severe resorption at 6(th) month postoperative visit. CONCLUSION: The bone ring augmentation technique is an effective method for three-dimensional augmentation of severely defective sockets. This technique helps in reducing the overall treatment time by allowing grafting and placement of implant simultaneously in a single visit. However, longer observation periods are needed to draw more definite conclusions on the success of bone ring augmentation technique.