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Background The “root membrane” (RM) is a technique that has become popular among implantologists for placement of immediate implants in the anterior maxilla. Purpose To present histologic evidence of an immediate implant placed in the human anterior maxilla, according to the RM technique, and retrieved after five years. Methods A fixture, along with the surrounding tissues, was retrieved from the anterior maxilla of a 68-year-old patient, who had been treated five years earlier with immediate implant placement and RM technique. The specimen was processed for histologic/histomorphometric evaluation. Results The buccal bone plate was maintained without any resorption; a healthy periodontal ligament was evidenced. The implant showed osseointegration, with a high percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC = 76.2%). With regard to the space between the RM and the implant, the apical and medial thirds were filled with compact, mature bone; the coronal third was colonized by noninfiltrated connective tissue. Conclusions The RM technique appears to be effective in preventing bone resorption of the buccal bone plate of the human anterior maxilla, five years after the placement of an immediate implant.

The aim of this study was to present in detail the clinical steps of the root-membrane technique. This technique combines the benefits of conventional root submergence via intentional maintenance of a root fragment for ridge preservation with those of immediate implant placement for functional rehabilitation of the treated site. A case study of a tooth diagnosed with a horizontal root fracture is used to illustrate this technique step by step. The clinical application of the root-membrane technique not only allowed for immediate placement in a site with compromised buccal plate but also facilitated excellent clinical stability of soft tissue contours during the 3 years of follow-up.

Within the limits of the retrospective design, the root membrane technique showed long-term success rates comparable to those of conventional immediate implants.

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