Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to radiographically evaluate the vertical socket walls changes, and the peri-implant marginal bone remodelling, and clinicallly the soft tissues conditions around the non-submerged single implants placed into the inter radicular septum of mandibular molar sockets, associated with a collagen membrane, after 3 years of loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients underwent to placement of a non-submerged implants with a laser-microtextured collar into the inter radicular septum of mandibular molar fresh extraction sockets. A collagen membrane and the mucoperiosteal flap were adapted around the neck of the implants, leaving the laser-microtextured collar to heal in a transmucosal fashion. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, no statistical differences were found for each radiographic measurements used for the examination of extraction sockets vertical bone changes. Compared to implants placement, at the end of the 3-year follow-up, the vertical radiographic mesial and distal peri-implant marginal bone levels showed a statistically significant gain of 0.9 (SD 0.5), and 1.0 mm (SD 0.6), respectively (P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: In mandibular fresh extraction sockets, the method of GBR around transmucosal implants with laser-microtextured surface placed into the interadicular septum may be used successfully to counteract the ridge remodelling. Key words:Non-submerged implants, GBR, laser-microtextured collar.