Single-tooth Implants Research Articles

Single‐Tooth Implants with Different Neck Designs: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Aesthetic Outcome

To evaluate the aesthetic outcome of single-tooth implants in the aesthetic zone with different neck designs from a professional's and patient's perception. Ninety-three patients with a missing anterior tooth in the maxilla were randomly assigned to be treated with an implant with a smooth neck, a rough neck with grooves or a scalloped rough neck with grooves. Implants were installed in healed sites. One year after definitive crown placement (18 months post-implant placement), photographs were taken and the aesthetic outcome was assessed according to two objective aesthetic indexes: pink esthetic score/white esthetic score (PES/WES) and implant crown aesthetic index (ICAI). A questionnaire was used to assess the aesthetic outcome and general satisfaction from a patient's perception. standardized radiographs were taken to measure marginal bone level changes. One implant was lost. Although there was a significant difference in marginal bone loss between the different implant neck designs (smooth neck 1.19±0.82mm, rough neck 0.90±0.57mm, scalloped neck 2.01±0.77mm), there were no differences in aesthetic outcome. According to the professional's assessments using PES/WES and ICAI, 79.3% and 62% of the cases showed acceptable crown aesthetics, and 59.8% and 56.5% of the cases showed acceptable mucosa aesthetics. Overall, patients were satisfied about the aesthetics of the mucosa (81.5%) and crown (93.3%), and general patient satisfaction was high (9.0±1.0 out of a maximum of 10). According to the professional's assessment, a pre-implant augmentation procedure was associated with less favorable aesthetics of the mucosa. This study shows that the aesthetics of single-tooth implants in the maxillary aesthetic zone appears to be independent of the implant neck designs applied but dependent on the need for pre-implant surgery.

Immediate single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla: 3-year results of a case series on hard and soft tissue response and aesthetics

The objective of this prospective study was to assess the overall outcome of immediate single implant treatment in the anterior maxilla after a 3-year observation period. Thirty consecutively treated patients with a thick gingival biotype, ideal gingival level/contour and intact socket walls at the time of tooth extraction were treated for single-tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone by two experienced clinicians. Treatment included minimal mucoperiosteal flap elevation, immediate implant placement (NobelReplace TiUnite(®)), insertion of a grafting material between the implant and the socket wall and connection of a screw-retained provisional restoration. The latter was replaced by a cemented crown 6 months thereafter. Patients were clinically and radiographically re-examined after 3 years to assess implant survival, complications and hard and soft tissue conditions. The aesthetic outcome was objectively rated using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and White Esthetic Score (WES) by a blinded clinician who had not been involved in the treatment. Twenty-five patients could be re-evaluated after 3 years. One early implant failure had occurred resulting in an implant survival rate of 96%. Radiographic examination yielded on average 1.13 mm mesial, respectively 0.86 mm distal bone loss. The clinical conditions showed fairly low peri-implant plaque (18%) and bleeding (24%) and mean probing depth was 3.17 mm. Mean mesial/distal papilla shrinkage and midfacial soft tissue recession in reference to the pre-operative status accounted for 0.05, 0.08 and 0.34 mm, respectively. Between the 1- and 3-year reassessment mesial papillae showed significant re-growth (0.36 mm; p=0.015). Advanced midfacial recession (>1 mm) was found in 2/25 (8%) cases. Five (21%) cases were aesthetic failures (PES<8 and/or WES<6) and 5/24 (21%) showed an (almost) perfect outcome (PES≥12 and WES≥9). The remainder (14/24 or 58%) demonstrated acceptable aesthetics. The proposed strategy seems a valuable and predictable treatment option for well-selected patients in the mid-long term as shown by almost full papillary re-growth and a low risk for advanced midfacial recession.

Dental Student Perceptions of Predoctoral Implant Education and Plans for Providing Implant Treatment

This study aims to identify dental students' perceptions of pre-patient care laboratory exercises (PCLEs) and clinical experiences that influence their future plans for providing implant care. One of two questionnaires was administered to dental student classes at one dental school (D2: Survey 1; D3 and D4: Survey 2). Future plans as graduates to provide implant diagnosis and treatment planning (DxTP), restoration of single-tooth implants (STIs), and implant-retained overdentures (IODs) were cross-sectionally assessed along with potential influences such as PCLE, clinical experiences, gender, and class. The majority of students planned to provide implant services after graduation (DxTP 68.9 percent; STI 61.2 percent; IOD 62.1 percent). Bivariately, males reflected more preparedness from PCLEs than females (p=.002) and the D2 students more than D3 and D4 students (p<.001). Multivariate models revealed the perceived preparedness from PCLEs generally had the strongest association with future plans for performing implant therapy. However, this varied by gender and class. These findings indicate that PCLEs are important for their influence on students' future plans to provide implant therapy. However, further studies are needed to validate actual PCLEs and clinical implant practices (both longitudinally and for other schools) and to determine educational interventions to optimize the provision of implant care.

Prosthodontic considerations designed to optimize outcomes for single‐tooth implants. A review of the literature

The aim of this study was to review the literature on the restoration of single-tooth implants, and to develop evidence-based conclusions to optimize aesthetic, biologic and patient-related outcomes. An electronic and hand search was conducted using the search terms 'dental implants, single-tooth; dental restoration, temporary; dental impression materials; dental impression technique; dental prosthesis, implant-supported; dental prosthesis design; dental abutments; dental occlusion; maintenance; survival; and survival analysis'. Resultant titles were screened, and full text was obtained where relevant. The authors selected the most appropriate articles, giving preference to systematic reviews and long-term, patient-based outcome data. Thirty-nine articles were selected and critiqued by the authors. There was strong suggestion by several authors that peri-implant soft tissue aesthetics can be sculpted through provisional restoration contour, but there are no clinical outcome studies to define or support this claim. Laboratory studies demonstrate that pick-up type impression copings in conjunction with elastomeric impressions are the most accurate means for transferring implant position to a dental cast. Laboratory and finite-element analysis studies suggest implants with an internal-type connection show improved stress distribution, but supportive clinical data are lacking. The authors of this review favour a screw-retained prosthesis for retrievability. Clinical and histological studies show that gold, titanium and zirconia ceramic abutment materials exhibit excellent biological responses, although there is insufficient data on the clinical service provided by zirconia as an implant-substructure material. The literature does not associate any particular occlusal scheme with superior clinical outcomes. Implant-borne single crowns offer comparable clinical service to tooth-borne fixed dental prostheses. However, single-tooth implant restorations are associated with an increased incidence of biological and technical complications.

Immediately restored one‐piece single‐tooth implants with reduced diameter: one‐year results of a multi‐center study

The aim of the present multi-center study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of immediately restored one-piece single-tooth implants with a diameter of 3 mm after 1 year. A total of 57 one-piece implants (NobelDirect 3.0) were inserted in 47 patients (26 females, 21 males) with a mean age of 31 years (range: 17-76 years) at five different centers. The implants replaced maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular incisors. The implants were placed either in conjunction with tooth extraction or in healed sites, and all implants were immediately restored with a provisional resin crown. If needed, the abutment part of the implant was prepared before crown cementation. The permanent crown was placed after 1.9-14.5 months. Radiographs were taken at implant insertion as well as after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the peri-implant marginal bone level and bone loss. Moreover, plaque, bleeding on probing and complications were assessed. A total of 44 patients (23 females, 21 males) with 54 implants were available for the 1-year follow-up. One implant was lost, thus the 1-year implant survival was 98%. A statistically significant mean marginal bone loss was observed between baseline and 6 months (1.1 mm, range: -0.7 to 4.4 mm; n=49) and between baseline and 12 months (1.6 mm, range: -0.8 to 4.6 mm; n=50). A total of 18% of the implants were characterized by a bone loss of more than 3 mm. No bleeding on probing was observed around 83% of the implants. Plaque was registered at 15% of the implants. The most common complications were related to the provisional crown, i.e. fracture (n=3) and loss of retention (n=3). A high 1-year implant survival was observed in the present study. However, the excessive peri-implant marginal bone loss around several implants indicates that this implant should be used with caution until further studies have been conducted.

Management of Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisor

Multiple treatment options are available to patients who have congenitally missing teeth. Management options for the treatment of missing teeth can include the following: (1) Orthodontic space closure and adjacent tooth substitution, (2) autotransplantation, (3) prosthetic replacement with resin-bonded fixed partial dentures, conventional fixed partial dentures and single-tooth implants. In this case report, treatment of a patient with congenitally missing maxillary right lateral incisor will be presented.

Achieving a Desired Esthetic Outcome for a Single-Tooth Implant Restoration with Tissue Excess Using a Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach: A Clinical Report

Achieving ideal emergence profile and restoration contours for implant-supported prostheses in the anterior esthetic zone is a prime requisite. In this report, the patient presented with decreased restoration space and unfavorable tissue contours for an implant restoration. Correction of space deficiency and reshaping of excess bone height and soft tissue were planned and executed carefully prior to definitive restoration of a maxillary anterior missing tooth with an implant-retained prosthesis. Post-treatment evaluation of the papillary levels and soft tissue profile helped in assessing maintenance of the restored emergence profile.

Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors: Restorative replacement

A As dentists, we are often faced with the question: to close or not to close? Since maxillary lateral incisors are often congenitally missing, replacement of these teeth raises several important treatment planning concerns. Therefore, it is beneficial to use an interdisciplinary treatment approach to obtain the most predictable outcome. There are multiple treatment options for the replacement of congenitally missing lateral incisors, including canine substitution, single-tooth implants, and tooth-supported restorations. Drs Zachrisson, Rosa, and Toreskog beautifully illustrated the benefits of canine substitution by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of space closure as well as the functional and esthetic limitations that accompany this treatment choice. Like our European colleagues, our team agrees with the underlying principle to develop treatment plans that are both conservative and functional while maintaining excellent esthetics. However, the esthetic and functional success of canine substitution ultimately depends on variables such as malocclusion, crowding, profile, crown shape and color, and smiling lip level. Also, the amount of crown reduction that is often required to appropriately position these teeth esthetically and functionally in 3 planes of space can be excessive. Therefore, the optimal canine substitution patient is one who has small canines with crowns that match the shade of the central incisors. Ideally, he or she should also have a nice profile, a Class II dental relationship, and no crowding in the mandibular arch. However, many patients do not meet these criteria, and multiple veneers often need to be placed on the anterior teeth to overcome the

Cost-effectiveness of Endodontic Molar Retreatment Compared with Fixed Partial Dentures and Single-tooth Implant Alternatives

Introduction One of the most challenging situations in dentistry is a failed root canal treatment case. Should a failed root canal–treated tooth be retreated nonsurgically or surgically, or should the tooth be extracted and replaced with an implant-supported restoration or fixed partial denture? These four treatment alternatives were compared from the perspective of cost-effectiveness on the basis of the current best available evidence. Methods The costs of the four major treatment modalities were calculated using the national fee averages from the 2009 American Dental Association survey of dental fees. The outcome data of all treatment modalities were retrieved from meta-analyses after electronic and manual searches were undertaken in the database from MEDLINE, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus up to April 2010. The treatment strategy model was built and run with TreeAge decision analysis software (TreeAge Software, Inc, Williamstown, MA). Results Endodontic microsurgery was the most cost-effective approach followed by nonsurgical retreatment and crown, then extraction and fixed partial denture, and finally extraction and single implant–supported restoration. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that endodontic microsurgery was the most cost-effective among all the treatment modalities for a failed endodontically treated first molar. A single implant–supported restoration, despite its high survival rate, was shown to be the least cost-effective treatment option based on current fees.

Immediate temporary restoration of single-tooth implants: Prospective clinical study

The goal of this study is to assess the survival, marginal bone loss and complications around single-tooth implants on which immediate provisionalization was carried out. 78 implants were placed in 57 patients: 56 after extraction and 22 in healed sockets. Immediately after surgery provisional crows were delivered without contacts in both centric and excursive jaw movements. The final crowns were inserted between 3 to 6 months later. During the study there were 3 x-rays taken per patient. The marginal bone loss was measured and complications were recorded. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out with the STATA 10® software. The mean duration of the study was 92 weeks. Survival rate was 98.7% (1 failure out of 78 implants). The mean mesial bone loss was 0.2 ± 0.4 mm and the mean distal bone loss was 0.2 ± 0.4 mm. No statistically significant differences were found between immediate or delayed implants. 67 implants showed a bone loss less than 1 mm, and 36 did not show any bone loss at all. The main complications were the uncementing of the crowns (11 crowns), the presence of cement remnants (10 crowns) and the development of apical lesions around implants (6 implants). With the limitations of this study, it can be concluded by saying that immediate restoration with single-tooth implants and provisional crowns may be considered as a predictable technique.

A Prospective Analysis of Immediate Provisionalization of Single Implants

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the viability of immediately provisionalized single-tooth implants. One hundred forty patients (86 female, 54 male) with a mean age at implant placement of 45 years (range, 15-88 years) needing single-tooth replacement, were treated between July 1999 and December 2004. Single-tooth implants were placed and provisionalized the day of the surgery. All implants were manufactured by Nobel Biocare (Yorba Linda, CA) and had multiple diameters and configurations. The majority of the implants used in this study had oxidized titanium surfaces. The contours of the restorations were designed to mimic the original teeth and root forms. The morphology of the restorations provides support of the labial gingiva. Over 5.5 years, 164 implants were placed and immediately provisionalized. Sixty-four implants were placed immediately post extraction. Seven implants failed, yielding an overall survival rate of 95.73%. The application of an immediate provisionalization protocol to a single implant can be successful if the proper precautions are taken in achieving passive occlusion.

Impact of anterior single-tooth implants on quality of life, articulation and oromyofunctional behaviour: a pilot study

The main purpose of this study is to determine the impact (one and a half year after implantation) of a single-tooth implant on articulation and oromyofunctional behaviour. This information is important for dentists, orthodontists or stomatologists who treat professional speakers. Objective (acoustic analysis) as well as subjective (questionnaire, phonetic inventory, phonetic analysis, oromyofunctional assessment of lip and tongue function, blowing, sucking and swallowing) assessment techniques were used to determine the quality of life, articulation and oromyofunctional behaviour. Fourteen subjects who received a single-tooth implant and a control group of nine subjects participated in this study. The mean overall satisfaction of single-implant users was 95%. The subjects who received a single-tooth implant were capable of producing all Dutch vowels and consonants. The phonetic analysis revealed a sigmatism in 57% of the cases. Sigmatisms (stridens sigmatism followed by simplex sigmatism) were the most frequently observed phonetic disorders. There was interobserver agreement about normal lip and tongue functions. Moreover, blowing, sucking and swallowing patterns were normal (concordance value 96%). Detailed analyses 1 or 2 years after implantation of an anterior single-tooth implant revealed normal speech intelligibility and oromyofunctional behaviour. Articulation was characterised by the presence of a persistent phonetic disorder. Further research involving more subjects with an anterior single-tooth implant is needed.

Evaluation of Single‐Tooth Implants in the Second Molar Region: A 5‐Year Life‐Table Analysis of a Retrospective Study

To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the success or survival rate of single-tooth implants that replaced missing maxillary and mandibular second molars. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the 1- to 5-year cumulative survival rate (CSR) for single-tooth implants placed in the second molar region and the effects of associated factors. Four hundred eighty-nine patients (298 males and 191 females; age range: 23 to 91 years; mean age: 47 years) who were admitted to the Seoul National University Dental Hospital between March 2003 and July 2008 and treated with single-tooth implants in the second molar region (227 maxillary implants and 294 mandibular implants; total: 521 implants) were included in the study. Thirty-two subjects received two implants each. A 1- to 5-year CSR was calculated using a life-table analysis. A comparison of CSRs between maxillary versus mandibular implants, one-stage versus two-stage implants, short (<or=8.5 mm) versus long (>10 mm) implants, and standard-diameter (<or=4.0 mm) versus wide-diameter (>or=5.0 mm) implants was performed using Wilcoxon (Gehan) statistics. P <0.05 was considered significant. Fifteen of the 521 implants were lost between insertion and the follow-up examinations. The 1- to 5-year CSR was 95.1%. There were no statistically significant differences in CSRs between implants placed in maxillas and mandibles (96.3% versus 94.9%, respectively; P = 0.084), one- and two-stage implants (95.6% versus 94.7%, respectively; P = 0.267), short and long implants (100% versus 95.1%, respectively; P = 0.582), and standard- and wide-diameter implants (93.8% versus 96.8%, respectively; P = 0.065). Within the limitations of the study, the placement of single-tooth implants in the second molar region was an effective and reliable treatment modality. Also, associated factors such as implant diameter, length, and location (the maxilla versus the mandible) may not have an impact on the long-term success of implants.

Factors affecting soft tissue level around anterior maxillary single‐tooth implants

Peri-implant soft tissue recession is a major esthetic concern for the anterior implants. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that affected the facial marginal mucosal level and papilla level around single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla. Forty single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla were studied. Variables possibly associated with the soft tissue level were obtained from clinical measurements, study models, peri-apical radiographs, and computerized tomograms. Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the influence of each factor on the facial marginal mucosal level and papilla level. The majority of the implants (75%) replaced the upper central incisors. The facial mucosal margin of the implant was 0.5+/-0.9 mm more apical than that of the contralateral tooth. Half or more of papilla fill was observed in 89% of the samples. More apical level of the facial mucosal margin at the implant sites was significantly influenced by many factors including a thin peri-implant biotype, a proclined implant fixture angle, more apical level of the facial bone crest, increased distance from the contact point to the bone crest, contact point to the platform, and contact point to implant bone. A thin biotype was the most significant factor in determining the facial marginal mucosal level. Increased distance from the contact point to the bone crest was the only factor significantly associated with less papilla fill. The papilla level around single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla was mainly influenced by the interproximal bone crest level of the adjacent tooth. Facial marginal mucosal level, on the other hand, was affected by multiple factors including the peri-implant biotype, the facial bone crest level, the implant fixture angle, the interproximal bone crest level, the depth of implant platform, and the level of first bone to implant contact.

Early Survival of Single-Tooth Implants in the Esthetic Zone may be Predictable Despite Timing of Implant Placement or Loading

The authors used MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases to locate studies for this systematic review (SR). For studies to be eligible for this SR, all had to evaluate single-implant restorations with a follow-up of at least 1 year after implant loading. A total of 19 prospective studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen studies provided implant survival data (499 patient/509 implants), whereas 5 studies provided radiographic marginal bone height data (52 patients/52 implants). The analysis included studies with patients with single anterior or premolar,maxillary or mandibular edentulous sites bounded by anterior and posterior neighboring teeth. Meta-analyses of prospective trials (randomized-controlled trials, clinical trials, cohort studies, case series) reported loaded implant survival with one-year or more than one-year follow-up. Meta-analysis of prospective trials reporting marginal bone loss with one-year follow-up was also reported. The key interventions were the timing of implant placement following extraction and the timing of implant loading after implant placement. Comparisons following greater than one-year follow-up were made between implants with immediate placement with immediate loading, immediate/early placement with conventional loading, conventional placement with immediate/early loading, or conventional placement with conventional loading. The main outcome was implant survival. Radiographically determined peri-implant bone level change was also reported. Meta-analyses were completed using studies that reported one-year implant survival data (15 studies) and more than one-year implant survival data (11 studies). One-year marginal bone level data were analyzed for implants treated conventionally (5 studies). For survival and marginal bone levels, weighted rates and random effects models were used to calculate overall effects of the included studies. For greater than one-year follow-up, survival data were stratified by intervention type. Results were weighted for study size and stratified based upon timing of implant placement and loading. Esthetics, and patient satisfaction, and complications were reported, but heterogeneity of study design and reported outcomes excluded the results from meta-analysis. Approximately two-thirds of patients received implants in healed edentulous sites. Survival of single-tooth implants one year in function was 95.5% [95% CI: 93.0-97.1]. Meta-analysis identified no difference in survival rate at one year when the results were weighted for study size and stratified based upon timing of implant placement and loading. Survival of single-tooth implants more than one year in function ranged from 92.4% [95% CI: 84.4-96.4] for conventional placement with immediate loading to 97.5% [95% CI: 88.3-99.5] for immediate placement with immediate loading. The third meta-analysis identified 0.20-mm [95% CI:0.034-0.36] marginal bone loss for implants one year in function. Qualitative interpretation of other esthetic, patient satisfaction, and complication outcomes revealed no difference in immediate, early, or conventional therapy approaches. The authors concluded that implant-supported single-tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone with adjacent natural teeth can lead to short-term, favorable outcomes with regard to implant survival and marginal bone level change with early/immediate or conventional surgical placement and loading strategies.

Esthetic evaluation of maxillary single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone

PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the influence exerted by the observer's dental specialization and compare patients' opinion with observers' opinion of the esthetics of maxillary single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone.MethodsForty-one adult patients, who were treated with a single implant in the esthetic zone, were enrolled in this study. Eight observers (2 periodontists, 2 prosthodontists, 2 orthodontists and 2 senior dental students) applied the pink esthetic score (PES)/white esthetic score (WES) to 41 implant-supported single restorations twice with an interval of 4 weeks. We used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the patient's satisfaction with the treatment outcome from an esthetic point of view.ResultsIn the PES/WES, very good and moderate intraobserver agreements were noted between the first and second rating. The mean total PES/WES was 11.19 ± 3.59. The mean PES was 5.17 ± 2.29 and mean WES was 6.02 ± 1.96. In the total PES/WES, the difference between the groups was not significant. However, in the WES, the difference between the groups was significant and prosthodontists were found to have assigned poorer ratings than the other groups. Periodontists gave higher ratings than prosthodontists and senior dental students. Orthodontists were clearly more critical than the other observers. The statistical analysis revealed statistically significant correlation between patients' esthetic perception and dentists' perception of the anterior tooth. However, the correlation between the total PES/WES and the VAS score for the first premolar was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe PES/WES is an objective tool in rating the esthetics of implant supported single crowns and adjacent soft tissues. Orthodontists were the most critical observers, while periodontists were more generous than other observers. The statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between patients' esthetic perception and dentists' perception of the anterior tooth.

Interdisciplinary Approach for Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors

Several treatment options exist for the replacement of congenitally missing lateral incisors. These options include canine substitution, resin bonded fi xed partial dentures, cantilevered fi xed partial dentures, conventional fi xed partial dentures and single tooth implants. Depending on which treatment option is chosen, specifi c criteria has to be addressed. Interdisciplinary treatment plays a vital role to achieve an excellent, esthetic result for a most predictable outcome. The aim of the study is to discuss the treatment plans of three patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors.

Immediate loading of single tooth: Case report and review of the literature

Aim This was to report a case of immediate loading of a single tooth implant analyzing aesthetic and functional outcomes; a review of the recent literature on the outcomes of immediately loaded single tooth implants is presented, reporting survival rates and providing a classification about success rates of each implant type, in order to define remaining questions requring further investigation in future researches. Materials and methods A case of single tooth replacement and immediate loading with switching platform technique is reported. Moreover 78 scientific texts were selected with the key words “immediate loading single tooth”. Of these only 45 articles specifically analyzed single tooth immediately loaded dental implant; 16 of 45 were available in full text and were therefore investigated. Results The immediate loading of dental implants is well documented in the literature. Several clinical trials show that overall implant survival and success rates are influenced by parameters such as implant design, surface characteristic, bone properties and bone augmentation, implant area placement (upper or lower jaw) and postextraction conditions. However, in single tooth replacement with immediate loading aesthetics (especially in the front area) and functionality (posterior area of the jaw) must be considered. Conclusion This case report and the literature review demonstrated that scientific documentation of implant survival influenced by timing of loading is rather debated. Most of the reported outcome analyses primarily focus on implant survival and follow up. Future researches should analyze how the immediate loading can influence implant success.

Factors influencing ridge alterations following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets

To identify factors that may influence ridge alterations occurring at the buccal aspect of the extraction site following immediate implant placement. In 93 subjects, single-tooth implants were placed immediately into extraction sockets in the maxilla (tooth locations 15-25). A series of measurements describing the extraction site were made immediately after implant installation and at re-entry, 16 weeks later. The implant sites were stratified according to four factors: (i) implant location (anterior/posterior), (ii) cause of tooth extraction (periodontitis/non-periodontitis), (iii) thickness of the buccal bone walls (< or = 1 or > 1 mm) and (iv) the dimension of the horizontal buccal gap (< or = 1 or > 1 mm). (i) The location where the implant was placed (anterior/posterior) as well as (ii) the thickness of the buccal bone crest and (iii) the size of the horizontal buccal gap significantly influenced the amount of hard tissue alteration that occurred during a 4-month period of healing. At implant sites in the premolar segment, the fill of the horizontal gap was more pronounced than in the incisor-canine segment, while the vertical crest reduction was significantly smaller. Furthermore, at sites where the buccal bone wall was thick (>1 mm) and where the horizontal gap was large (>1 mm), the degree of gap fill was substantial. The thickness of the buccal bone wall as well as the dimension of the horizontal gap influenced the hard tissue alterations that occur following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets.

Optimizing esthetics for implant rehabilitation in maxillary lateral incisors aplasia: multidisciplinary considerations and 7 years follow-up case report

Especially in the esthetic zone the management of dental agenesis is best achieved by an interdisciplinary team approach. The realisation of individually optimized rehabilitation outcomes is depending foremost on early diagnosis and the coordination of appropriate orthodontic, prosthodontic and oral-maxillofacial surgical handling options. Due to modern reconstruction techniques the final completion with single-tooth implants meanwhile represents the treatment of choice, independent of initial situations with local hard and soft tissue deficiencies. Prerequisites for esthetically optimized long-lasting results of implant-supported restorations are the establishment of a stable bone foundation and soft tissue profile as well as the proper 3-dimensional implant placement.