Root Analog Zirconia Implants: True Anatomical Design for Molar Replacement - A Case Report

Replacement of lost teeth using oral implants is an accepted treatment modality with well-documented high long-term success rates. Conventional screw- or threaded cylinder-type implants have been used almost exclusively. Their incongruence with the extraction socket necessitates the use of a barrier membrane or bone augmentation to prevent down-growth of connective tissue or epithelium between the implant and socket. Although some minor changes in implant design have been made, the neck and abutment connection areas have not changed much in the past 30 years. Custom-made root analog implants have been employed clinically in rare instances; however, they yielded failure rates of up to 96% at 1 year of follow-up. So far, ovoid implants are the closest in design regarding resemblance to the natural tooth anatomy. Root analog zirconia implants with macroretentions were developed and produced for immediate single-stage replacement of missing or hopeless teeth. This article discusses the treatment and 3-year follow-up of a patient with such an implant for replacement of a maxillary molar.