SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANT RESTORATIONS IN THE ESTHETIC ZONE WITH PUREFORM CERAMIC CROWNS: 3 CASE REPORTS

SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANT RESTORATIONS IN THE ESTHETIC ZONE WITH PUREFORM CERAMIC CROWNS: 3 CASE REPORTS
November 6, 2004
By Guido Schiroli, MD, DDS
Journal of Oral Implantology
Please visit the web site to view the article in its entirety.
Abstract
The anterior maxillary jaw is frequently called the ǃ?esthetic zoneǃ? because of its high visibility and influence on facial appearance. Implant placement and single-tooth restoration in this region can present some esthetic challenges for the clinician. The underlying titanium abutment, for example, can diminish porcelain translucency and result in a darkened prosthesis. Subsequent changes in soft-tissue margins can also result in the visibility of titanium at the gingival crevice. In recent years, all-ceramic restorations have gained popularity in response to increasing patient demands for improved esthetics. This article describes the clinical use of a new, tooth-shaped, ceramic coping system in the restoration of single teeth in the esthetic zones of 3 patients. Four tapered screw implants were placed in the locations of the central incisors (n = 3) and bicuspid (n = 1). Conventional ceramic protocols were used to fabricate all-ceramic crowns that were cemented onto small core abutments attached to the implants. All prostheses restored the biomechanical needs of the patients and achieved excellent esthetic results.