Immediate implant placement of a hopeless tooth with periapical infection in mandibular posterior region: A clinical case report

Abstract

Background: The immediate placement of implants after the extraction of non-salvageable teeth results in shorter treatment durations and enhanced patient satisfaction. However, placing implants in the posterior region of the mandible poses difficulties due to the quality of the bone and its closeness to the mandibular canal. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old male patient arrived with a vertically fractured mandibular second molar (tooth #36) deemed hopeless due to vertical bone loss, root fracture, and being endodontically non-restorable. After performing an atraumatic extraction and socket debridement, a titanium implant measuring 6 (cid:2) 10 mm was inserted with an insertion torque of 45 Ncm. Outcomes: At 6-month follow-up, radiographic evaluation revealed stable marginal bone levels (0.4 mm loss), healthy peri-implant soft tissue, and satisfied occlusion. No complications occurred. Conclusion: Immediate placement of implants in the posterior region of the mandible is achievable when sufficient bone height (greater than 10 mm) and primary stability (exceeding 35 Ncm) are attained. The processes of socket grafting and atraumatic extraction are essential for achieving successful results in cases involving hopeless teeth.