Our Summary

This research paper provides a detailed guide on how to immediately place and restore dental implants in the cosmetic (or ’esthetic’) zone, which is the area of the mouth that is visible when you smile. The process of placing implants immediately after tooth extraction and restoring them right away has become widely accepted and has shown to have long-term success rates similar to traditional methods where implant placement is delayed.

However, this immediate procedure requires careful planning and precise execution, especially in the visible area of the mouth where even small mistakes can have significant consequences. This is particularly important for younger patients, where the results need to remain stable for a long time.

The paper outlines eight critical steps for successful immediate implant placement: preparing the failing tooth and the pre-surgery phase, carefully extracting the tooth, creating an initial hole for the implant, packing bone graft in 3D, guided placement of the implant with a surgical guide, inserting a custom-made attachment, reshaping the provisional crown, and placing a connective tissue graft from a rounded prominence at the lower part of the cheekbone.

Each step is critical and comes with its own challenges and importance, and the paper discusses these aspects based on current scientific evidence. The process requires thorough planning and execution in the proper sequence for the best results.

FAQs

  1. What is the process for immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone?
  2. What are the eight critical steps for predictable immediate implant placement?
  3. What challenges might be faced during the immediate implant protocols in the esthetic zone?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful integration of the implant. This may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments with your dentist for monitoring and adjustments as needed. It is also important to inform your dentist of any pain or discomfort you may experience during the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for dental implant surgery include those who have:

  1. Missing teeth that need to be replaced
  2. Sufficient bone density and volume to support the implant
  3. Good oral health with minimal gum disease or decay
  4. Patients who are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking
  5. Patients who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
  6. Patients who have realistic expectations and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified dental professional to determine if they are suitable candidates for dental implant surgery. Proper planning and execution of the procedure are crucial for long-term success and patient satisfaction.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient consults with the dentist to discuss their dental health and determine if they are a candidate for dental implants.
  2. Treatment planning: The dentist creates a treatment plan, including imaging and measurements, to determine the best course of action for the patient.
  3. Pre-surgical phase: The patient may undergo preparatory treatments such as extractions or bone grafting if necessary.
  4. Provisional restoration: If the failing tooth needs to be extracted, a provisional restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Initial healing: The patient undergoes a period of healing after the implant surgery, during which the implant integrates with the surrounding bone.
  2. Customized abutment insertion: Once the implant has healed, a customized abutment is inserted to connect the implant to the final restoration.
  3. Provisional crown placement: A temporary crown may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function while the final restoration is being fabricated.
  4. Connective tissue graft: In some cases, a connective tissue graft may be necessary to improve the aesthetics of the implant site.
  5. Final restoration: The final restoration, such as a crown or bridge, is placed on top of the implant to restore function and aesthetics.

Overall, the patient will experience a comprehensive process of consultation, treatment planning, surgery, and post-operative care to ensure the success of their dental implant procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone compared to traditional delayed implant protocols?
  2. What is the success rate of immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after immediate implant surgery in the esthetic zone?
  4. What are the potential risks or complications associated with immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone?
  5. How long will the implant last in the esthetic zone?
  6. What is the process for creating a surgical guide for guided implant placement in the esthetic zone?
  7. What materials will be used for the implant and restoration in the esthetic zone?
  8. How should I care for my implant and restoration in the esthetic zone after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before the implant surgery in the esthetic zone?
  10. What is the cost of the immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone, and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Gamborena I, Sasaki Y, Blatz MB. Journal: J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021 Jan;33(1):158-172. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12716. Epub 2021 Feb 1. PMID: 33522700