Clinical comparison of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium dental implants placed in fresh extraction sockets and healed sites.

The placement of hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants in fresh extraction sockets was compared to placement in adjacent healed sites in 14 patients. Systematic sequential documentation was obtained regarding periodontal health, radiographic bone levels, and implant stability at the time of implant placement, at uncovering, and from 8 to 24 months (mean 16 months) after loading and restoration delivery. There were no significant differences in any clinical parameter between those implants placed in fresh extraction sockets and those placed in healed areas. Periodontal health, maintenance of crestal bone levels, and implant stability were excellent for implants placed in both types of recipient sites. The results of this study suggest that hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants can be successfully placed in fresh extraction sockets utilizing otherwise standard implant placement techniques, and that they appear to clinically perform equally well in fresh sockets and healed sites.