Patient-specific Root-analogue Immediate Titanium Premolar Dental Implants: Prospective Evaluation of Fifteen Patients with One-year Follow-up

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical use and outcomes of the patient-specific root-analogue immediate titanium premolar dental implants (PRIs) that are manufactured by using computer numerical control (CNC) machine. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional models of the 15 non-restorable premolar teeth were constructed from cone-beam computed tomography datasets and transferred to a specific modelling software to design the PRIs. PRIs were manufactured from titanium by using a CNC machine and placed immediately after tooth extraction. Implants were evaluated clinically and radiologically one-year after implant placement. Results: Fifteen patients (five males, 10 females), aged between 18-53 years (average 29.9) were included in the study. The success rate was 80% after oneyear follow up. There was no peri-implant radiolucency around survival implants. The 1-year mean marginal bone loss was 1.1 mm (+/- 0.4). Clinically healthy gingival margins were observed without any signs of periodontitis or implant mobility. The mean Periotest (R) value was -4.7 +/- 0.3. Conclusion: Relatively high success rate was observed for upper premolar PRIs (92.3%) compared to lower premolar PRIs (50%). PRI concept is a new promising treatment modality. Further studies with long-term follow-up are necessary.