Periosteal-guided bone regeneration on severely damaged sockets with simultaneous implant placement: The cortical shield cross-sectional study.

Background: Bone regeneration and simultaneous implant placement in severely damaged sockets are challenging and may require multiple grafting. Periosteal-guided bone regeneration enhances osteogenesis and wound healing shortening immediate and delay implant protocols. Clinical outcomes of a group of individuals that entered a longitudinal clinical trial from 2019 to 2021 are reported describing a novel surgical approach of simultaneous reconstruction and implant placement.

Methods and results: Eight individuals requiring an implant and presenting severe facial bone loss were followed for 2-4 years (37-month average) after the completion of a 12-month longitudinal clinical trial NCT04827693. Socket reconstruction and simultaneous implant placement were performed by encasing the implant in a customized shield of autogenous cortical bone. Peri-implant tissues and pink esthetics data were assessed following established success criteria. Mean healing time, before second stage surgery, after implant placement and reconstruction, was 12.5 ± 0.9 weeks (range: 12-14 weeks). Success rates were 100% at 2-4 years. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data showed stable facial cortical bone >2.1 mm in thickness. Pink esthetic scores (PESs) were above optimal (9.5 ± 0.5, range: 9-10), with no significant difference between delayed and immediate individuals (p > 0.05). Facial implant transparency at follow-up was absent and all had a band of keratinized tissue >2 mm with healthy probing depths ranging from 3 to 4 mm.

Conclusion: Facial bone regeneration and simultaneous implant placement are feasible through periosteal-guided bone regeneration after a short healing period in severely damaged sockets following immediate or delay protocols. The assisted regenerated intrasocket bone provides high pink esthetics and functional implant stability.

Key points: Regeneration and simultaneous implant placement of severely damaged sockets is feasible. Periosteal-guide bone regeneration can shorten healing times. Teeth with fragile alveolar foundation can be successfully reconstructed achieving high pink esthetics.

Plain language summary: Simultaneous dental implant placement and bone regeneration are possible in severely damaged sockets that require reconstruction achieving, after a short healing period, highly esthetic outcomes.