Immediate Post-Extraction Short Implant Placement with Immediate Loading and without Extraction of an Impacted Maxillary Canine: Two Case Reports

Abstract

For the treatment of impacted maxillary canines, traction associated with a complete orthodontic treatment is the first choice in young patients. However, in adults, this treatment has a worse prognosis. The surgical extraction of the impacted tooth can result in a series of complications and a compromised alveolar bone integrity, which may lead to the requirement of a bone regeneration/grafting procedure to replace the canine with a dental implant. These case reports aimed to describe an alternative treatment procedure to the surgical extraction of impacted maxillary canines in adults. Following clinical and computerized tomography-scan (CT-Scan) examination, the possibility of maintaining the impacted canine in its position and replacing the temporary canine present in its place with a dental implant was planned. A short dental implant with an immediate provisional crown was placed, without contacting the impacted canine. At 3 months follow-up, a definitive metal-ceramic restoration was placed. Follow-up visits were performed periodically. The implant site showed a physiological soft tissue color and firmness, no marginal bone loss, no infection or inflammation, and an adequate aesthetic result in all follow-up visits. These results suggest that the treatment carried out is a valid option to rehabilitate with an osseointegrated short implant area where a canine is included, as long as there is a sufficient amount of the remaining bone.

Included canine in the palate, a surgical challenge: Case report

“…As the canine plays an important role, both functionally and aesthetically, and is considered a pillar of the smile, extraction of this impacted element can also result in complications to the alveolar bone structure that should be taken into consideration, drawing attention to the need for bone regeneration using bone substitutes (Moreno-Rodríguez et al, 2021). The use of bone grafting combined with blood products provides better bone regeneration and preservation of the alveolus postexodontia.…”