Esthetic Rehabilitation of a Discolored Maxillary Central Incisor With a High-Opacity Lithium Disilicate Crown

TL;DR

A 33-year-old woman with a discolored front tooth due to childhood trauma underwent successful dental restoration using a high-opacity lithium disilicate crown.

Contribution

The use of a high-opacity lithium disilicate crown effectively masked deep discoloration from an underlying metal post in a traumatized tooth.

Findings

A lithium disilicate crown successfully restored a discolored maxillary central incisor after trauma.

Crown lengthening surgery improved biologic width and periodontal health.

A lithium disilicate veneer on the adjacent tooth enhanced symmetry and spacing.

Abstract

Intrinsic discoloration of maxillary central incisors is a common and challenging consequence of traumatic dental injuries, often resulting in compromised esthetics and complex restorative needs. This case report presents a detailed clinical and radiographic follow-up of the esthetic rehabilitation of a discolored maxillary central incisor in a 33-year-old female patient. Childhood trauma caused intrinsic discoloration and structural changes, including an immature apex and thin dentinal walls, complicating treatment. Initial examination revealed esthetic deficiencies and gingival inflammation associated with an old zirconia crown exhibiting a grayish cervical margin. Following removal of the failing prosthesis and crown lengthening surgery to reestablish biologic width and periodontal health, a high-opacity lithium disilicate crown was fabricated to effectively mask the deep discoloration from an underlying metal post. A lithium disilicate veneer was also placed on the adjacent lateral incisor to enhance symmetry and interdental spacing. Throughout treatment, meticulous multidisciplinary planning and adhesive protocols ensured functional and esthetic success. This report underscores that intrinsic discoloration secondary to trauma can present progressive restorative challenges requiring timely, customized surgical and prosthetic interventions to achieve lasting esthetic outcomes.

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