Tristan Staas: Immediate placement - unbelievable or unpredictable ?

In comparison to the natural tooth the implant does not have a periodontal ligament which supports vascularization of the bone and the gingival attachment. Therefore especially the buccal plate at an implant site is subject to resorption. Dr Staas emphasizes the importance of an appropriate position of the implant in the palatal wall of the extraction socket and of a sufficient thickness of the buccal bone to the implant of minimal 2 mm. Presenting several patient treatment examples with need for extraction of single teeth in the anterior zone due to trauma and root resorption, Dr Staas reviews principles of atraumatic treatment, bone regenerative materials, and highlights soft tissue management options without soft tissue grafting procedures. Immediate implant placement has an advantage as any additional treatment activity has a potential risk for failure, complications or tissue compromise. Dr Staas summarizes that understanding and respecting biology, following appropriate three-dimensional planning and implant position, and managing soft tissue suitably with custom made restorations in biocompatible materials and correct emergence profile shape lead to predictable and esthetic results.