Immediate implantation of simple taper retentive implants in chronic apical infected teeth in the posterior region: a 5-year clinical observation.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the mid- and long-term clinical efficacies of simple taper retentive implants for immediate placement in chronic apical infected teeth in the posterior region.

Methods: A total of 36 patients with 41 simple taper retentive implants were included in the study conducted. These patients underwent immediate implant treatment for teeth with chronic apical infection in the posterior region. The soft and hard tissues surrounding the implants were assessed and documented over a period of 5 years following the completion of crown restoration.

Results: During the 5 years follow-up period, one implant failed with mobility, and the implant survival rate was 97.6%. The mean marginal bone resorption was (-0.74±1.03) mm from the immediate post-implant placement to the immediate post-crown restoration, and the difference in marginal bone heights between the two time points was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean marginal bone resorption was (-0.21±0.70) mm from the immediate post-crown restoration to the 5-year post-crown restoration, and the difference in marginal bone height between the two time points was not statistically significant (P>0.05). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in bone resorption between mesial and distal, maxillary and mandibular, different tooth positions, and different implant lengths. The soft tissue surrounding the implants remained healthy at the 5 years follow-up period, one implant exhibited peri-implantitis, and no mechanical complications were observed. The overall satisfaction of patients was good.

Conclusions: Immediate placement of simple taper retentive implants after thorough debridement of chronic infected alveolar socket in the posterior region can achieve good mid- and long-term clinical outcomes after 5 years of loading. The soft and hard tissues were maintained in a steady state, which expanded the indications for immediate implantation.