Innovative Single-Tooth Replacement with an Individual Root-Analog Hybrid Implant in the Esthetic Zone: Case Report

The goal of this study was to explore an innovative approach to single-tooth replacement using an individually custom-fabricated, root-analog, hybrid dental implant, in the esthetic zone, to avoid the microgap and micromovements between the implant and abutment. Moreover, the use of burs to prepare the implant recipient site is not necessary in this technique, reducing the bone removal, heating, and trauma. The process requires capturing accurate root geometry through combined computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and a three-dimensional (3D) visualization (digital volume tomography [DVT]) of the tooth in situ, which might result in reduced remodeling after insertion. A good esthetic and functional outcome was obtained. The use of a root-shaped tooth analog implant might be in selected cases a viable alternative to current threaded cylindrical and cone-shaped implants. The new concept avoids the microgap between the implant and the abutment and reduces the trauma to the tissue and bone.