Buccal bone thickness at dental implants in the maxillary anterior region with large bony defects at time of immediate implant placement: A 1-year cohort study.

Background There is lack of studies regarding preservation and possible changes in BBT at dental implants. Purpose To assess, on cone beam computer tomograms, the presence of bone at the time of tooth extraction in the maxillary esthetic region and the mean buccal bone thickness 1 month and 1 year after final restoration placement in patients with large bony defects. Material and Methods In a cohort study, patients were selected presenting a failing tooth with a large bony defect (test group [n = 20]: large bony defect, immediate placed implant and delayed provisionalization). Results were compared with a group in which patients presented a failing tooth without or with a small bony defect: (control group [n = 20]: without or small bony defect, immediate placed implant and delayed provisionalization). Cone beam computer tomograms were made preoperatively, and 1 month and 1 year after placement of the restoration, and buccal bone thickness was analyzed. Results In both groups approximately 1 mm of buccal bone thickness was present after 1 month and 1 year, without a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion In patients with large bony defects at a failing tooth it was possible to create a bone layer buccally of the implant and this bone layer remained stable during a 1-year follow-up; there were no significant differences between thickness of buccal bone at 1 month and 1 year in patients with large buccal bony defects and patients without or with small bony defects.