Long-term clinical success in the management of compromised intertooth spaces utilizing small-diameter implants

Abstract

Management of edentulous sites in the oral cavity with dental implants has been well documented in dental literature during the past 25-plus years. Patients seeking tooth replacement for partial or totally edentulous situations have been able to enjoy natural appearing and functioning prostheses that are fi xed, stable and, in some cases, so natural it’s difficult to ascertain a dental implant restoration from a tooth restoration. Using dental implants to replace the natural tooth system in the esthetic zone has also seen an increase in restorative treatment plans and, with the advent and perfection of immediate restoration protocols initially reported in the literature, achieving natural soft-tissue esthetics around dental implants can be predictable and successful. However, certain clinical situations can complicate or negate the procedure altogether.

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About the author

Paul S. Petrungaro, UK, DDS, MS, FICD, FACD, DICOI
He is internationally recognized for his educational and clinical contributions to modern dentistry. He graduated from Loyola University Dental School in 1986, where he completed an independent study of periodontics at the Welsh National Dental School in Wales, U.K. He completed his residency in periodontics and has a specialty certificate in addition to a Master’s of Science Degree in periodontics from Northwestern  University  Dental  School.  He  is the former coordinator of implantology, Graduate  Department  of  Periodontics, Northwestern  University  Dental  School. Petrungaro has been in the private prac- tice of periodontics and implantalogy since 1988 and holds a license in both Illinois and Minnesota.