Evaluation of Implant Position in Single Immediate Implant Placement Using Immediate Post-operative Cone-beam Computer Tomography: An Exploratory Study

Objectives: Positioning an implant fixture in immediate implant placement can be challenging depending on the remaining alveolar bone and anatomy of the extraction socket. The study aims to explore the value of computer-aided implant planning using immediate postoperative cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT).
Methods: Fifteen patients requiring extraction of a tooth followed by a single immediate implant placement were enrolled. Small volume CBCT scans, Kodak 9000, were used to evaluate the pre-operative alveolar bone and the to-be extracted tooth. The affected tooth was extracted and a root-form endosseous implant was immediately placed. Six-months postoperatively, BCT scans were made. Measurements for implant position were made and compared with the planned position using the Simplant program. Vertical and horizontal displacements as well as angulation deviations (mesio-distal and facio-lingual) of the implant from the planned position were determined.
Results: There is a statistical difference between the planned position and final implant placement position (paired t-test with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing; p<0.05).
Conclusions: Computer-aided implant planning can be useful in determine the implant position and angulation. In the case of a single tooth immediate implant placement, clinicians should be aware that the implant is commonly displaced facially.