Primary stability and healing outcomes of apically tapered and straight implants placed into fresh extraction sockets. A pre-clinical in vivo study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the stability of apically tapered and straight (non-tapered cylindrical) implants at the time of immediate placement and to histologically evaluate the healing outcomes after 6 weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The second maxillary incisors were extracted bilaterally in nine dogs. After randomization, apically tapered and straight implants with a 3.3 mm shoulder diameter were inserted into the extraction sockets. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) of the implants was recorded after placement. Peri-implant defects on the buccal aspect were filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral and covered with resorbable type I/III porcine collagen matrix. After 6 weeks of healing..