Purpose: Simplified and predictable immediate single-tooth replacement therapy can be optimised by leveraging recent advances in digital workflows that combine static surgical guidance and customised prosthesis design and fabrication. The present case report illustrates a novel approach to successfully executing immediate single-tooth replacement therapy via static computer-aided immediate implant placement and digital provisionalisation utilising angulated screw access, with a 1-year follow-up after delivery of the definitive restoration.
Materials and methods: A healthy 27-year-old woman with congenital agenesis of the mandibular second premolars and who required replacement of the mandibular left second premolar underwent immediate single-tooth replacement therapy via computer-aided, restrictive implant placement and provisionalisation using custom prosthetic components designed prior to the surgical intervention being performed.
Results: After a 6-month healing period, the provisional crown was replaced with the definitive restoration. After 1 year, the peri-implant keratinised mucosa demonstrated vertical gain in the mid-buccal portion and stability in the interproximal aspects, and no changes in marginal bone level were observed.
Conclusions: The present case report demonstrates the successful application of novel digital tools to facilitate both surgical and prosthetic aspects of immediate single-tooth replacement therapy. Digital workflows can optimise the clinical efficiency and predictability of tooth replacement therapy with dental implants by reducing surgical and restorative chair time and increasing patient satisfaction.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest relating to this study.
Keywords: CAD/CAM, computer-aided surgery, dental implant, digital dentistry, guided implant surgery, immediate loading, immediate placement, prosthetic procedure, prosthodontics