Authors:
M.A.R. Kuijpers, J.de Lange, A.V.van Gool
Source:
NTvT april 2006; 113: 130 - 133
Section:
summary:
Single tooth replacement with a dental implant is an increasingly popular
solution in patients with loss of an upper anterior tooth. There is a risk,
however, of placing the implant prematurely in youths. In a case series the
effects of residual maxillary growth on the results of implant treatment in the
anterior maxillary region were measured. The results confirm findings from
other studies on this subject and indicate that cessation and degree of
vertical growth are unpredictable. This may result in infraposition of the
implant and lead to periodontal bone loss around the implant region and its
neighbouring teeth. Clinicians should be aware of this and inform their
patients that these changes may eventually compromise the aesthetic result
of the treatment.