Dimensional Changes in the Alveolus after a Combination of Immediate Postextraction Implant and Connective Grafting and/or Socket Shield Technique

Immediate implant placement protocols after dental extraction have enabled a reduction in surgical phases. This procedure has increased patient satisfaction and similar survival rates to late implant placement procedures. However, placing an implant immediately after dental extraction does not counteract the physiological remodeling of alveolar bone. For this reason, additional surgical techniques have been developed, such as the placement of a connective tissue graft (CTG) or the socket shield technique (SST). Dimensional changes in the peri-implant tissues were observed after placement of immediate implants following the extraction and CTG and/or SST. A total of 26 surgical interventions were carried out in which dimensional change variables of peri-implant tissues were analyzed. The preoperative state and immediate postoperative situation were compared with the situation after one year. Measurements were taken at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the gingival margin and analyzed in this CBCT radiological study (Planmeca Promax 3D). The implant platform was used as a reference point for the measurement of changes in alveolar crest height. One year after performing either of the two techniques (CTG and/or SST), a significant increase in the gingiva thickness and vestibular cortex occurred at 5 mm (0.65 ± 1.16 mm) and 7 mm (0.95 ± 1.45 mm) from the gingival margin. Additionally, an increase in thickness of palatal bone was registered at 3 mm (0.48 ± 0.90 mm). The graft placement group showed an increase in thickness of peri-implant tissue in the vestibular area after one year, although CTG and SST groups were clinically similar. The implementation of SST revealed promising results regarding the buccal thickness of hard and soft tissues after one year. A significant increase in vestibular cortical bone thickness, as well as the overall mucosa thickness and buccal bone at 3 mm from the gingival margin, was observed. A significant reduction in the distance from the bone crest to the platform was detected in both techniques. Both techniques (CTG and SST) are appropriate to provide sufficient volume to peri-implant tissues in the vestibular area of anterior maxillary implants. Some limitations were detected, such as the lack of an aesthetic analysis or small sample size, so results should be interpreted with caution. Future studies are necessary to further evaluate the long-term predictability of these techniques.