G. Ajay Kumar
The introduction of osseointegrated implants in dentistry represents a turning point in dental clinical practice. Due to their multiple therapeutic possibilities and high predictability of success, implant therapy is now considered a very reliable approach to replace missing teeth. The concept of immediate loading of implants has become popular due to reduced trauma, reduced overall treatment time, decreased patient anxiety and discomfort, high patient acceptance, and improved function and esthetics. Nevertheless, research and understanding in this field are confusing and sometimes contradictory. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide the clinical benefits of immediate implants and to analyze the criteria for immediate placement. The results of this review indicated that dental implants immediately placed in carefully selected extraction sockets have high survival rates comparable to implants placed in healed sites. However, careful case selection, appropriate treatment planning, meticulous surgery and appropriate prosthesis design are essential for optimal results when this approach is adopted.