Several types of new implant-tissue interfaces were created in addition to the classical implant-bone interface, but this did not seem to jeopardize implant integration. Reports of more cases with a longer follow-up are needed before this protocol can be endorsed for routine application. Nonetheless, if confirmed as acceptable, this protocol might open intriguing possibilities; it might also lead to revision of one of the leading concepts in dental implantology.
This paper presents the long-term data of patients that have been treated with an unconventional implant placement protocol to avoid an invasive surgery when edentulism was caused by an impacted tooth. In 2009, the follow-up of this unconven-tional protocol was 2 to 3.5 years; this article documents now the long-term 5- to 8-year follow-up of 3 patients and 5 im-plants. Over this period of time, implant stability was maintained without complications. This unconventional protocol opens intriguing possibilities; however, more patients with long-term follow-up are warranted before endorsing it in routine appli-cation. Nonetheless, it might suggest that there is still room to revisit one of the leading concepts in dental implantology.
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