ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Early traditional implant protocols advocated leaving extraction sites for 12 months to allow complete healing and maturation of bone before implant placement. However, the resorption of bone over extended time periods often led to a situation where there was insufficient bone for routine implant placement. Protocols have therefore developed in which implants are placed at the time of extraction of the tooth/root, or soon after, before significant bone resorption occurs. Bone loss and resorption can also be minimized by careful extraction of teeth. Following placement, the implant can be submerged beneath the soft tissue, left exposed with a healing abutment/cap attached or restored with a provisional prosthesis. This chapter will consider the application of these various protocols for the replacement of single teeth, starting with extraction and implant placement followed by protocols for immediate restoration or loading. This chapter will not consider more complex multitooth/full-arch replacement, the prosthodontic management of which is considered in chapter 14.
