At the EAO Digital Days 2021, the focus of an engaging session was the surgical treatment of an aesthetically failed anterior implant, featuring insights from renowned experts in the field. The session, co-hosted by Eva Molinkovic and James, delved into the complexities and solutions for restoring aesthetics in challenging implant cases.
The Aesthetic Challenge in Anterior Implants Eva Molinkovic opened the session by highlighting the often-encountered disparity between the high survival rates of dental implants and their aesthetic success, particularly in the anterior region. This discrepancy is especially pronounced in patients with high smile lines, making aesthetic failures not just a medical issue but also a significant cosmetic concern.
Expert Approaches to Aesthetic Restoration The session spotlighted two distinguished guests: Professor Massimo Simion and Professor Giovanni Zucchelli, who brought their extensive experience and unique perspectives to the discussion.
Case Presentation: Chiara The case of Chiara, presented by Eva, illustrated a classic example of aesthetic failure in the right central incisor. The clinical images showcased the pre- and post-treatment outcomes, highlighting the improvements and inviting the audience to vote on the perceived treatment strategy.
Expert Opinions Professor Giovanni Zucchelli favored the removal of the failed implant, suggesting that no suitable conditions existed for replacing it with another implant. Instead, he advocated for a Maryland bridge supported by soft tissue augmentation as a viable, less invasive solution. Professor Massimo Simion disagreed, emphasizing the potential for regenerating bone and soft tissues to support a new implant. He advocated for a more aggressive approach that included extracting the existing implant, treating the adjacent natural teeth, and considering a new implant placement. Discussion on Treatment Strategies The debate between the experts highlighted different philosophies towards managing aesthetic failures. Professor Zucchelli preferred a conservative approach focusing on tissue health and less invasive techniques. In contrast, Professor Simion was more inclined towards comprehensive surgical interventions to restore both function and aesthetics comprehensively.
Audience Engagement The interactive voting session engaged the audience to think critically about the treatment options, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in such dental cases.
Conclusion: Embracing Complex Aesthetic Cases The session concluded with a robust discussion on the various strategies to address aesthetic failures in anterior implants. Both experts agreed that each case should be approached individually, considering factors such as patient age, dental health, and aesthetic expectations. The detailed presentations and expert analyses provided a rich learning experience for attendees, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment plans in achieving successful outcomes in aesthetically challenging implant cases.