Introduction: Despite recent reports on immediate implant placement in infected sockets, it remains unclear whether positive functional and esthetic results are repeatable in treating teeth with periapical infections. This case report describes important diagnostic factors and decision-making steps in the treatment planning of a fractured tooth with a periapical lesion in the anterior maxilla.
Case presentation: A healthy, non-smoking 36-year-old male patient presented with the chief complaint of trauma to the right maxillary central incisor. Radiographs displayed horizontal root fracture and a periapical lesion. Treatment comprised extraction of the fractured tooth with minimal trauma, followed by immediate implant placement and provisionalization. Clinical and radiographic analyses at 12 months after surgery showed maintenance of soft- and hard-tissue configuration and symmetry with the contralateral tooth.
Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach and careful case selection are of utmost importance for the successful treatment of challenging implant therapy. This case report shows esthetic and functional results 1 year after the immediate placement and functional loading of an implant in an infected socket in the esthetic zone.
Keywords: Immediate dental implant loading.
© 2015 American Academy of Periodontology.