The Root Membrane Technique: Human Histologic Evidence after Five Years of Function

Background. The “root membrane” (RM) is a technique that has become popular among implantologists for placement of immediate implants in the anterior maxilla. Purpose. To present histologic evidence of an immediate implant placed in the human anterior maxilla, according to the RM technique, and retrieved after five years. Methods. A fixture, along with the surrounding tissues, was retrieved from the anterior maxilla of a 68-year-old patient, who had been treated five years earlier with immediate implant placement and RM technique. The specimen was processed for histologic/histomorphometric evaluation. Results. The buccal bone plate was maintained without any resorption; a healthy periodontal ligament was evidenced. The implant showed osseointegration, with a high percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC = 76.2%). With regard to the space between the RM and the implant, the apical and medial thirds were filled with compact, mature bone; the coronal third was colonized by noninfiltrated connective tissue. Conclusions. The RM technique appears to be effective in preventing bone resorption of the buccal bone plate of the human anterior maxilla, five years after the placement of an immediate implant.