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ePaper created 2017-11-09, 09:28:26 | version 1.38.0
| industry Ceramic implants—naturally beautiful and clinically proven Dr Frederic Hermann, M.Sc., Switzerland Patients are increasingly requesting ceramic implants. Reasons behind their decisions are often related to their emotions, as “white” implants mean smiles appear even more radiant and soft tissue looks even healthier. As such, this kind of implants contribute to a better quality of life and higher levels of self-confidence. However, there are also medical reasons for using metal-free implants, especially for sensitive patients. This specialist article will outline the rehabilitation of a premolar in the upper jaw area with a two-part zirconium dioxide implant produced in a ceramic injection moulding procedure with a rough dual surface texture. their colour and compatibility with soft tissue, these im- plants act as an aesthetic buffer, especially in clinically compromising situations, such as if patients have a thin gingiva biotype, or high smile line. Zirconium dioxide implants osseointegrate like a tita- nium implant and encourage soft tissue to adapt well. This means that it is possible to achieve natural gingiva and dental aesthetics.2, 9–11 Product quality and safety is substantiated by the manufacturer’s statement that each individual implant is subjected to extensive load tests and dimensional inspections before being packaged. Modern-day ceramic implants are made from yttrium- stabilised zirconium dioxide. Previous studies have pro- duced predominantly positive results in terms of cell attachment, osseointegration and durability.1–6 The de- velopment of ceramic implants that has taken place during recent years shows that they are increasingly be- coming a part of the dental indication spectrum. How- ever, two-part implants are still subject of controversial discussions. Can they really be used as an alternative to titanium implants?7 Patients feel that treatment has been successful if they are satisfied with their subsequent appearance, as well as with the care they received. Ivory-coloured, translu- cent ceramic implants have a clear advantage here, as they are the most similar to the natural tooth root.8 Due to Medical history and planning At the end of 2015, a 38-year-old patient was experi- encing discomfort during biting and had recurrent fistulas in the left part of the upper jaw. She was a non-smoker with adequate oral hygiene and good com- pliance. An X-ray image evidenced that her teeth were in need of restoration and findings were endodontical and conservative. She was diagnosed with apical periodontitis stemming from root-treated tooth 24, which also evidences a verti- cal fracture (Figs. 1 & 2). Due to the existing diagnosis, endodontic revision did not seem promising. There were not any particular findings from the functional check-up. According to the criteria specified in the SAC classifica- Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Figs. 1 & 2: Apical periodontitis stemming from root-treated tooth 24, which also evidences a vertical fracture. Fig. 3: Minimally invasive procedure for removing tooth 24 whilst preserving buccal bone lamella. 26 implants 1 2017