BIOBRIEF

Ridge Augmentation and Delayed Implant Placement on an Upper Lateral Incisor

Dr. Daniele Cardaropoli

THE SITUATION

An adult female patient presented with an endodontic/prosthetic failure on the maxillary left lateral incisor. The patient‘s request was to have a definitive implant-supported single crown. The clinical situation revealed recession of the free gingival margin, while the CBCT evaluation showed the missing buccal bone plate, which contra-indicated an immediate implant placement. The treatment plan included a staged approach with a ridge augmentation procedure at the time of tooth extraction, in order to recreate the buccal bone plate and reduce the gingival recession. By moving the free gingival margin, keratinized tissue was gained through an open-healing approach.

THE RISK PROFILE

Low RiskMedium RiskHigh Risk
Patient’s healthIntact immune system
Non-smoker 
Light smokerImpaired immune system 
Patient’s esthetic requirementsLowMediumHigh
Height of smile lineLowMediumHigh
Gingival biotypeThick – “low scalloped”Medium – “medium scalloped”Thin – “high scalloped”
Shape of dental crownsRectangularTriangular
Infection at implant sightNoneChronicAcute
Bone height at adjacent tooth site≤ 5 mm from contact point5.5 – 6.5 mm from contact point≥ 7 mm from contact point
Restorative status of adjacent toothIntactRestored
Width of tooth gap1 tooth (≥ 7 mm)1 tooth (≤ 7 mm)2 teeth or more
Soft-tissue anatomyIntactCompromised
Bone anatomy of the alveolar ridgeNo defectHorizontal defectVertical defect
Note: The compromised soft-tissue created a high risk situation for esthetic failure and the need for a staged approach, in order to coronalize the free gingival margin.
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THE APPROACH

The treatment goals were to improve the soft-tissue levels and regenerate the buccal bone plate. After performing a flapless extraction procedure, a specifically designed resorbable bilayer collagen membrane, Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape, was inserted into the socket with the long wing in contact with the buccal surface and the smooth, compact upper layer facing outward. The alveolus was then grafted with Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen®. The three smaller wings of the membrane were folded on top of the graft material and sutured to the surrounding soft-tissue, allowing for open-healing.

Baseline: endodontic/prosthetic failure on the maxillary left lateral incisor.
The cone beam image shows the missing bony buccal plate.
Clinical situation following a minimally invasive, flapless extraction approach.
Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape is inserted into the socket, with the long wing in contact with the buccal surface in order to recreate the cortical bone.
The socket is carefully grafted with Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen®.
The three remaining wings of Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape are folded over the bone graft and gently secured inside the gingival sulcus. The membrane is then sutured to the surrounding soft-tissue with six single-interrupted sutures.
Implant placement can be planned 4 months after the ridge augmentation procedure.
4 weeks post-operative view with an open-healing approach, showing a positive soft-tissue response.
After flap elevation at 4 months, the new buccal bone plate can be detected, together with a completely filled alveolus. An implant can now be easily inserted into a fully healed ridge.
Clinical image of the final ceramic crown. An esthetic improvement can be noted when compared with the baseline image. The free gingival margin has been shifted in a coronal direction.

“The patient had a failing crown with compromised soft tissue and requested a single crown rehabilitation with improved esthetics.”

THE OUTCOME

This case demonstrates how it is possible to improve the clinical and esthetic situation that was presented at baseline. Despite missing the buccal bone plate and the recession of the free gingival margin, the ridge augmentation procedure performed with the combination of Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape and Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen® was able to create a positive volume of the ridge, allowing for a prosthetically guided implant placement.

Clinical image of the final ceramic crown

Ridge augmentation combining the use of Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen® and Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape is a predictable minimally invasive regenerative procedure able to create sufficient ridge volume suitable for prosthetically driven implant placement.”

Dr. Daniele Cardaropoli

Prosthetically guided implant placement can be planned 4 months after the ridge augmentation procedure. The specifically designed Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape was able to protect the Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen®, not only in the coronal position but also aided in recreating the missing buccal bone.”

Dr. Daniele Cardaropoli

The use of the Cardaropoli Compactor instrument helped to carefully adapt Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape onto the inner buccal surface of the alveolus and to properly compact Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen® inside the socket.”

Dr. Daniele Cardaropoli

Dr. Daniele Cardaropoli

Periodontist – PRoED, Institute for Professional Education in Dentistry, Torino

Doctor of Dentistry and Certificate in Periodontology from the University of Torino, Italy.
Active member of the Italian Society of Periodontology, European Federation of Periodontology, Italian Academy of osseointegration and Academy of osseointegration. International member of the American Academy of Periodontology. Scientific Director of Institute for Professional Education in Dentistry (PRoED), Torino. Member of the Editorial Board of The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. Private practice in Torino, Italy.