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The treatment dilemma of missing maxillary lateral incisors‐Part II: Implant restoration
Author(s) -
Priest George
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.919
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1708-8240
pISSN - 1496-4155
DOI - 10.1111/jerd.12483
Subject(s) - implant , maxillary lateral incisor , dentistry , dental implant , orthodontics , dental prosthesis , medicine , prosthesis , incisor , lateral incisor , maxillary central incisor , soft tissue , surgery
Objective This second of a two‐part series reviews the single dental implant as the most current treatment alternative for replacement of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor. Assessments of dental maturity for implant placement, implant space requirements, surgical and restorative influence on soft tissue profiles, and implant success are reviewed. Overview Recent data indicates that implant success rates are high, and esthetics and soft tissue profiles appear to be stable for maxillary lateral incisor implants. Implant placement should be assessed by dental maturity of the specific patient as opposed to chronological age, and implant spacing should be developed and assessed by all team members. Conclusions Implant replacement of a missing lateral incisor is a predictable treatment mode if implant placement is deferred until dental maturity and then accurately placed in a well‐developed site. Treatment involves more complicated planning and execution from team members than other alternatives, but innovations in techniques and materials render it a favorable alternative for lateral incisor replacement. Clinical significance Implant restoration of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor is surgically and restoratively more complex than space closure or a resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis but demonstrates high success rates and high esthetic potential when team members follow strict treatment protocols.