Early intervention with transitional implants for congenitally missing lateral incisors in a pediatric patient: a case report

TL;DR

A 12-year-old girl with missing teeth received transitional dental implants that improved her appearance and function while allowing for future growth.

Contribution

Transitional implants are presented as an effective solution for congenitally missing lateral incisors in pediatric patients.

Findings

Transitional implants provided outstanding esthetic results and high patient compliance in a pediatric case.

The implants allowed for bone and dental development while maintaining function and aesthetics.

Long-term follow-up is essential for successful outcomes in pediatric implant cases.

Abstract

The anterior maxillary region can be affected by traumatic or congenital loss of a tooth so that a replacement is usually essential [1]. A new innovation is the dental implantation of teeth without requiring adjustments for growth in the jaws and teeth of young patients. It is uncommon to improve the bone area surrounding the dental implant in the presence of these changes. Dental implantology is among the most innovative and fastest-growing therapeutic modes in the field of clinical dentistry. These implants are usually narrow, ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 mm in diameter, making them suitable for placement in confined spaces without affecting adjacent structures. Their insertion involves a straightforward, minimally invasive surgical procedure, often eliminating the need for significant bone modification. Composed primarily of titanium or titanium alloys, they offer excellent biocompatibility and integrate well with bone while reducing the risk of adverse biological reactions [2]. These implants have experienced significant developments over the years, through which they became a major success in the treatment of missing teeth. In this way, dentistry has transformed the way professionals work on rediscovering function, beauty, and confidence for those patients who lost their teeth through decay or severe damage. Because of progress in implant materials, techniques, and technology, dental implants have become a staple of modern restorative medicine, offering reliable outcomes and enhanced quality of life to patients of all age groups.

A 12-year-old Indian girl came with esthetic concerns and visited the pediatric dentistry department. Orthodontic therapy was performed for the correction of malocclusion, and the missing maxillary lateral incisors were restored with MS transitional implants. The transitional implant achieved outstanding esthetic results and ensured high patient compliance.

Transitional implants in pediatric patients offer an effective solution for managing congenitally missing laterals and preserving esthetics and function. They provide an opportunity for bone and dental development while awaiting full growth, and long-term follow-up is essential to ensure successful outcomes.

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