Effectiveness of temporary implants in teenage patients: a prospective clinical trial.
The objective of this study was to assess prospectively the outcomes of extra-narrow diameter implants (XNDI) placed in teenage patients as a temporary restorative option. Twenty consecutive young patients presenting one or several missing teeth received XNDI that were immediately restored with composite, Polymethylmethacrylate (Acrylic) or ceramic crown. Clinical and radiographical outcomes were assessed for a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. Additionally, each patient completed retrospectively a satisfaction questionnaire using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A total of 30 implants were placed and followed for a period of 1-7.4 years (mean: 3.59 years). One implant failed after 3 weeks and was replaced successfully. No further biological complications occurred during the follow-up period, leading to an implant survival rate of 96.6%. The patient satisfaction evaluations displayed high levels of comfort and function. Immediately restored XNDI to replace missing teeth on teenager patients seems to be an effective temporary restorative option to replace missing teeth in young patients. Composite or ceramic crowns should be preferred. Clinical trials with long-term follow-ups and the assessment of passive egression are needed.