Radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss around customized root analog zirconia implants placed in fresh extraction sockets

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss around customized root analog zirconia implants placed in fresh extraction sockets using the cone-beam computed tomography at predetermined intervals. Subjects and Methods: The present study comprised twenty individuals all above 18 years with at least one tooth indicated for extraction. The twenty participants were considered in a single group who underwent single tooth extraction followed by the placement of root analog zirconia implant after 7 days which was fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology. The participants were evaluated radiographically using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at predetermined intervals: • Within 48 h of implant placement (CBCT I) • At the time of composite crown cementation on zirconia implant after 4 months of placement (CBCT II) • After 4 months of composite crown cementation (CBCT III). The alveolar bone loss was measured on all the four surfaces of the implant. CBCT was used only for the required area so to avoid total radiation exposure to the patient. Statistical Analysis Used: The survival of dental implants was computed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The comparison of the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual bone height at 3 different time intervals was analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss around customized root analog zirconia implants placed in fresh extraction sockets in predetermined time interval using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: An innovative technique for immediate replacement of extracted tooth using customized Zirconia root analog implant was introduced. In future, long-term evaluation with more sample size is necessary to assess the success and survival of implant placed using this technique.