Digital technique in diagnosis and restoration of maxillary anterior implant: a case report

Abstract

The implant prosthesis of anterior maxilla requires careful consideration in planning. In order to satisfy both esthetic and functional needs of a patient, fusion of intra-oral scan in Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and facial scan can be considered. Bony structures and soft tissues captured in CBCT and occlusal surfaces of intra oral scan were incorporated into personal characteristics from facial scan. The patient had insufficient buccal bone on maxillary anterior area. The maxillary implants could not be placed on the most ideal position. However, the “top down” approach completed by computer-generated arranging of teeth in implant planning and surgery with surgical guide resulted in esthetically and functionally satisfying result regardless of the limitation. Careful diagnosis with digital technique and the usage of surgical guide resulted in successful surgery and esthetic restoration. The temporary fixed prostheses were designed, restored and evaluated. The patient was not satisfied with the first design of temporary prosthesis, which showed uneven space distribution between teeth due to the position of maxillary implant. The design was modified by changing proximal emergence contours and line angle to alter the perceived since of incisors. The patient was satisfied with the new design of provisional restoration. A digital occlusion analyzer (Arcus Digma II, KaVo, Leutkirch, Germany) was used to measure inherent condylar guidance and anterior guidance of a patient to provide a definitive prosthesis.