Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Mini-Implants to Replace Congenitally Absent Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Short-Term Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of immediately restored mini-implants with a diameter of 2.5 mm one year after their use for rehabilitation of congenitally absent maxillary lateral incisors.

Methodology: A total of 30 mini-implants (narrow ridge 2.5) were inserted in 23 patients (13 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 21.6 years (range: 16–38 years) at the implant center of Damascus University. The implants replaced congenitally absent maxillary lateral incisors. All implants were immediately restored with a non-functional provisional acrylic crown. The abutment part of the implant was prepared before crown cementation. The ceramic permanent crown was placed after three months. A health implant scale was chosen to evaluate implant success. A periapical standard X-ray was taken immediately upon bonding of the temporary crown as well as after one year of loading. Proximate bone loss was measured using Canvas 9 (ACD, 2004).

Results: No implant was lost; thus, the one-year implant survival was 100%. Optimal survival was 93.6%. A statistically significant mean marginal bone loss was observed between baseline and 12 months (mesial: 1.06 ± 0.55 mm; distal: 1.05 ± 0.53 mm).

Conclusion: A high one-year survival rate was documented for management of congenital missing maxillary lateral incisors using immediately loaded mini-implants, and these implants therefore provide a good alternative treatment option.

How to cite this article: Alharissy M, Dayoub S. Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Mini-Implants to Replace Congenitally Absent Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Short-Term Study. Int Dent Res 2012;2:27-32.

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.