Single-tooth implant-supported restorations in the anterior maxilla

Abstract

With the development of advanced surgical techniques, implants can now be utilized in a variety of applications, including replacement of a single tooth. The form of an artificial restoration is determined by the existing tooth morphology and periodontal architecture; when placing single-tooth implants, the original structure of the tooth and periodontium must be recreated. Osseointegrated single-tooth implants have a success rate that is comparable to that of implant-supported prostheses in totally edentulous patients; a 98.5% success rate has been reported following 3 years in situ. The learning objective of this article is to gain an understanding of pretreatment guidelines, such as soft tissue considerations, bone dimension, root morphology, and site preparation with osteotomes for single-tooth implant placement. The review also includes the discussion of the placement of single-tooth implants, flap design, prosthetic considerations, and the final restoration. Two case reports are presented to document and illustrate the clinical procedure.