Dental Implants Placed in Periodontally Infected Sites in Humans

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate fresh socket implant outcome leaving granulomatous tissue into the bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects requiring tooth extractions in periodontal infected sites were selected for this prospective study. Only patients with 4-wall defects and asymptomatic ones were included. The fresh sockets were randomly scheduled into two groups: In one group (Removal Group, RG) granulomatous tissue was removed and, in the other group (Left Group, LG) granulomatous tissue was left. Implants were positioned immediately after tooth extraction, and were loaded after 3 months in both groups. Intraoral digital radiographs were performed at temporary prosthesis placement; at 12, 24 and 36 months to evaluate marginal bone levels changes. Moreover, clinical parameters were acquired at the same time points. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in this study. Three-hundred seventy-two implants were placed immediately after tooth extraction and, at 3-year follow-up, a survival rate of 98.66% was reported, 2 implants were lost in RG and 3 implants in LG. At 36-month follow-up, not statistically significant differences were found between RG and LG in marginal bone level changes and clinical parameters (p > 005). Moreover, not statistically significant differences were found in intragroup comparisons over time (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With the limits of this study it was concluded that granulomatous tissue left in infected fresh sockets doesn't injury dental implant outcome.