Implant Failure and Subsequent Treatment: Report of a Complex Case

In a 40-year-old woman, a central incisor was to be replaced with an implant-supported crown. When the implant was uncovered, the soft tissue around the implant showed an unfavorable profile: The adjacent lateral incisor showed significant loss of periodontal attachment. Subsequent soft tissue and connective tissue grafts failed to correct the problem, and an alternative treatment plan was formulated. Errors in the initial treatment, including incorrect implant position and failure to analyze the cause of the periodontal attachment loss are discussed in detail; the options for further treatment measures are outlined; and the treatment that was subsequently carried out is presented.