# Implant–Natural Teeth Connection for a Patient with Periodontitis and Malocclusion: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 57-year-old woman with periodontitis and malocclusion successfully had implants connected to natural teeth, preserving gum health and aesthetics over five years.

## Contribution

Demonstrates long-term success of connecting implants to natural teeth in the anterior region for periodontitis and malocclusion.

## Key findings

- Implants connected to lateral incisors maintained stable gingival morphology and coloration after five years.
- Combining guided bone regeneration and orthodontic treatment achieved esthetic and functional outcomes.
- The approach allowed minimally invasive treatment without significant complications.

## Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Dental implants are widely used; however, tooth extraction often results in alveolar bone loss and gingival recession, necessitating bone and connective tissue reconstruction, especially in the esthetic anterior regions. To address these issues, implants are occasionally connected to adjacent teeth, but this remains controversial, as complications (e.g., intrusion of natural teeth) have been observed. This report demonstrates the long-term success of implants replaced after removing maxillary bilateral central incisors and connecting them to lateral incisors with reduced supportive bone due to periodontitis. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old woman with root fractures in maxillary bilateral central incisors, periodontitis, and malocclusion was treated with connecting implants and natural teeth. Bone levels surrounding maxillary bilateral lateral incisors were diminished due to root fractures in adjacent central incisors and periodontitis. After initial periodontal therapy, hopeless maxillary central incisors were extracted, replaced with implants using a digitally simulated surgical guide, and guided bone regeneration and connective tissue grafting were performed. Implants were connected to lateral incisors with provisional restorations, and orthodontic treatment was initiated following digital set-ups incorporating implants into the overall strategy. Final porcelain-fused-to-zirconia restorations were placed after orthodontic treatment. At the 5-year follow-up, gingival morphology, coloration, and position of lateral incisors remained stable. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that connecting implants to natural teeth in the anterior region can effectively maintain periodontal tissues around natural teeth and allow for minimally invasive, short-term, and esthetic treatment. However, careful long-term observation through maintenance is necessary due to limited evidence for this approach in the anterior region.