Long-Term Esthetic Complications Associated With Anterior Implant-Supported Restorations

Lior Shapira, DMD, PhD; Barry P. Levin, DMD; and Ayala Stabholz, DMD

July 15, 2021 Issue - Expires Saturday, August 31st, 2024

Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry

Abstract

Having demonstrated high average survival rates, osseointegrated endosseous dental implants are considered a predictable solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Most studies and case reports have concentrated on the success and/or failure of dental implant-supported restorations in the posterior regions of the mouth, while fewer reports have investigated the performance of such treatments in the esthetic segment. Today, it is recognized that in addition to implant survival, other parameters of implant dentistry are considerations when evaluating success or failure in the esthetic zone. These include numerous patient and operator assessments of peri-implant soft-tissue level, prosthesis level, subjective smile and esthetic appearance, and phonetic changes. Implant dentistry in the esthetic zone is highly challenging because of not only the immediate postoperative appearance, but also the potential changes that might occur in the long term, such as soft- and hard-tissue recessions, infraocclusion of single implants adjacent to natural teeth, and the unpredictable development of peri-implantitis. Thus, the aim of this article is to identify possible long-term biologic complications that may develop around dental implant in the esthetic zone and discuss their effect on treatment decisions.

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Since the beginning of time, facial esthetics have played a prominent role in communication among individuals. A person's smile is an integral part of facial esthetics and frequently reflects a distinctive impression of the individual's personality; therefore, this human characteristic has always received considerable attention. Today, facial attractiveness plays an important role in affecting not only an individual's self-esteem but also social opportunities, professional presentation, and employment options. An attractive smile revealing a healthy-looking and appealing dentition has become a major demand by patients and professionals. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reported in 2018 that 86% to 89% of dental patients sought treatment to improve physical attractiveness and self-esteem for various reasons.1

Losing a tooth or teeth in the esthetic zone can be traumatic for a patient. Treatment is professionally demanding and time-consuming. Moreover, patients can become emotionally dissatisfied and frustrated with esthetically poor prostheses, whether tooth- or implant-supported. Traditionally, providing a tooth-supported esthetic prosthesis demanded dental professionals to focus on achieving a high level of excellence. Then, when implants were incorporated into everyday dental therapy, even greater professional skills were required to achieve optimal surgical as well as prosthetic outcomes.

Naturally, numerous "pros and cons" can be attributed to both treatment choices-implant- or tooth-supported restorations-in the esthetic zone. Both options are achievable when provided by skilled clinicians, but many variables dictate a clinician's decision. The scientific literature of long-term success of teeth- and implant-supported restorations fails to demonstrate a superiority between the two modalities.2

Almost all studies have examined the survival rate of restorations in posterior sites. Yet, no long-term controlled data has been published regarding the success of teeth- and implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone. Additionally, unlike restorations in the posterior segments, the evaluation of success/failure in the esthetic zone cannot be based exclusively on whether or not osseointegration is achieved, nor can it be limited to the evaluation of survival rates of teeth/implants or lack of pathologies around the restoration. Rather, the assessment of success or failure of anterior restorations must equally refer to additional factors such as hard- and soft-tissue appearance and skeletal facial changes that may occur over time and affect esthetics. Adverse changes, particularly around implants, can be problematic for clinicians, especially those who are less experienced and may lack the skills and training to properly manage such complications. In a review article, Fuentealba and Jofre summarized in detail common esthetic failures of implant-supported restorations and concluded that all aspects of treatment should be borne in each clinician's mind before attempting esthetic therapy.3

The purpose of this article is to discuss specifically long-term changes that can be anticipated following placement of implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone and the critical risk factors that clinicians should consider during treatment planning to help prevent such harmful consequences.

Soft-Tissue Dehiscence

Implant therapy in the maxillary anterior region of the dentition is technique sensitive. Proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and execution can minimize unfavorable outcomes. Even so, long-term complications can occur. One of the most critical determinants of soft-tissue esthetics is the apicocoronal level of the buccal mucosal margins. An apical shift of the mucosal margins and changes in the soft-tissue contour may cause an esthetic failure,4 and approximately 26% of cases may experience buccal soft-tissue dehiscence (STD) (Figure 1).5

Treatments of STD around implants are far more complex than around teeth. Peri-implant soft tissues have a reduced blood supply, and the structure of their fibers differs from that of gingival tissues. Various soft-tissue grafting techniques have been proposed to treat STD in the esthetic zone but have displayed inconsistent results. At present, no predictable procedure is recognized as one that attains complete dehiscence coverage of exposed implants. Often, implant removal followed by ridge reconstruction and a new, properly positioned implant placement provides a more predictable outcome and better prognosis than soft-tissue management for implant coverage.6

Risk and Protective Factors for Soft-Tissue Dehiscence

It has been proposed that up to 2 mm of bone thickness should be maintained to support soft-tissue levels and prevent soft-tissue recession.7,8 Achieving soft-tissue thickness of at least 2 mm has also been shown to preserve crestal bone levels around bone-level implants.9,10 Soft-tissue thickness also aids in concealing "shine through" of prosthetic components and producing noticeable color variations compared to adjacent natural teeth.11,12 Increasing the supracrestal soft-tissue dimensions at the time of immediate placement also improves the opportunity for stable esthetics over time.13

Tissue augmentation can play a dramatic role in minimizing some of these negative physiologic changes after extraction, regardless of whether implants are placed immediately or in a delayed fashion.14 Unfortunately, even with augmentation, bone loss, soft-tissue recession, and esthetic complications can occur.15 The fact that some degree of negative changes will transpire around implants placed in the anterior dentition has led researchers and clinicians to develop novel techniques, such as partial extraction therapy and socket shield techniques, to avoid these changes.16,17 Such techniques are effective; however, complications are not uncommon, and not all teeth requiring extraction are suitable for these types of treatment.

Other aspects of implant therapy can be taken into consideration to mitigate the aforementioned complications, such as implant platform diameter, position within an extraction socket or edentulous site, and prosthetic contours. Ideally, an implant placed in the anterior sextant should not approximate the facial bone plate or adjacent teeth, so as to accommodate the biologic width around the implant without causing bone remodeling at the natural tooth. Recently, a new implant design with a hybrid macrogeometry has been introduced featuring a narrower coronal portion to maintain greater implant-tooth and implant-facial plate distances.18 The opportunity this affords to augment the peri-implant socket gaps proximally and facially can support the soft tissues and improve esthetic outcomes.19 Maintaining a larger horizontal distance between the implant platform and the facial tissues of an extraction socket has been shown to result in significantly less facial recession.20 Short-term studies have demonstrated that narrow-neck implants improved esthetic results over a 1- to 2-year period.21-23

Skeletal Changes Adjacent to Single Implant-Supported Restorations

Numerous clinical studies of skeletal changes and alveolar bone growth modifications around single implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone in growing pigs and human case reports have been published.24-27 This issue has attracted particular attention in young individuals, most of whom required implant therapy due to congenital agenesis or trauma. A topic of thorough discussion among clinicians has been whether to use dental implants in young patients at all to replace missing teeth and, if so, what is the optimal age to place them with regard to possible skeletal changes that might follow. Implants become ankylosed to the bone in an identical way that an avulsed tooth behaves following late re-implantation.28 Such ankylosed teeth as well as dental implants do not adapt to eruptive processes of the surrounding skeletal growth and thus develop infraocclusion, which can severely affect esthetic appearance by the tooth or restoration being shorter than the neighboring teeth, which continue their growth (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Additionally, interproximal contact opening has been observed between the ankylosed crown and nearby natural crowns. Several in vivo experiments that examined osseointegrated implants in young populations concluded that dental implants should not be placed in young patients until their permanent dentition is fully erupted and their skeletal growth completed.29 Such recommendation was even more accentuated when the esthetic zone was involved.

Further investigations of a crown's submersion risk among adults showed that significant skeletal dimensional changes as well as continuous eruption of teeth can occur later in life also (Figure 4).30 Such findings prompted researchers to follow-up single implant-supported prosthesis cases of different age populations for various time periods. Over an 8-year period, Thilander et al followed 15 adolescents who had single implant-supported crowns placed in the anterior maxilla.29 They reported no implant loss as well as an acceptable esthetic appearance in most subjects at the end of the observation period; however, eruption of the adjacent natural teeth continued and resulted in infraocclusion of the implant-supported crowns in some patients, as well as reduction of marginal bone level around some teeth adjacent to the implants. The authors specified that the infraocclusion was mainly found where incisor contact was absent meaning that good incisor stability is of utmost importance before an implant is placed in the esthetic area. Additionally, the authors tracked a single implant-supported crown placement in the upper incisor area of three adults and observed infraocclusion years after installation. They concluded that infraocclusion might occur in adulthood also and no chronological age is considered safe from such skeletal changes. In the adolescent group, the main vertical marginal difference occurred during the first 3 years of follow-up, which corresponded to the overall body growth of the individual. Still, infraocclusion further continued in 10 individuals during the subsequent years, despite body growth cessation. In a case report by Rossi and Andreasen, unfavorable clinical and radiographic findings were demonstrated over a 15-year period after a single tooth replacement by dental implants.25 In addition to the 9 mm discrepancy between the implant collar and the cementoenamel junction of the adjacent central incisor, the authors found that the maxilla significantly resorbed on the labial aspect during the skeletal facial vertical growth.

Based on clinical findings among young populations, it has been suggested that the most appropriate time for implant placement is the age when skeletal growth is finalized,31,32 which corresponds with the termination of general skeletal growth. However, the orthodontic literature has disclosed that facial growth actually continues throughout life (Figure 4),33 and therefore, at present, it is recognized that no decision as to the right time to place implants in the esthetic area is definite, and each case should be discussed with the patient and/or, in the case of adolescents, the parents as well.

Most case reports discussed infraocclusion following single implant-supported crown placement in adolescents and young patients. Cocchetto et al demonstrated that facial skeletal growth does not stop after adolescence but continues into adulthood.27 Therefore, the timing of esthetic treatment that includes single implant placement next to natural teeth should be carefully considered and discussed with the patient. In a retrospective evaluation of implant-retained crowns in the anterior maxillae of adult patients during a 20-year span, 73% of recalled patients displayed infraocclusion. There was no statistical difference between the younger (<30) and older (>30) groups. When evaluating their awareness and perception of the problem, most of the patients were unaware of the change, or if they were aware, they showed no interest in changing the situation. No predisposition risk factors have been identified for this potentially frustrating situation.34

Mijiritsky et al reviewed the literature on this topic among adolescent and adult patients and attempted to evaluate the effect of age, gender, facial shape, occlusal contact, and implant location in the maxilla on continuous tooth eruption next to implant-supported crowns.35 No definite conclusions were drawn from their search other than confirming that facial skeletal growth might continue even into the fifth decade of life; thus, it should be the clinician's decision whether to treat such cases and consider possible future consequences.

Treatment of tooth infraocclusion is challenging, prolonged, and expensive. Such treatment is even more difficult and professionally stimulating when a high smile line is present and/or in cases of a thin-scalloped gingival phenotype. Therefore, prevention of such situations is recommended. Prevention primarily includes verification of skeletal growth termination, a thorough evaluation of the patient's lip line during smiling, and examination of the patient's periodontal condition of teeth adjacent to the future implant installation in order to estimate future tooth stability.29

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around dental implants. It is characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of the implant-supporting bone (Figure 5 and Figure 6).36 A meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of peri-implantitis to be 22%, and it increases as a function of time.37 A recent study indicated that implants in the maxillary anterior and mandibular anterior regions had a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis than the maxillary posterior region,38 making the esthetic zone a risk area for the long-term success of dental implants.

The clinical appearance of peri-implantitis defects may vary and is dependent on the nature of the implant's surrounding hard and soft tissues (eg, thin or thick phenotype), severity of bone resorption, and level of inflammation. In the absence of treatment, peri-implantitis progresses in a nonlinear and accelerating pattern.36

Presently, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of peri-implantitis. Nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis was found to be ineffective in preventing disease progression, and surgical intervention is recommended to prevent further bone loss.39 Adjunctive implantoplasty, the addition of a bone graft, or both, were shown to be effective in the long term; however, their potential benefit over conventional surgical therapy is yet to be determined.40,41 Nevertheless, the treatment success of this condition was at best favorable in the short term, with 75% of the cases unresolved or recurred after 5 years.42 Moreover, a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of bone augmentation at peri-implantitis sites revealed that significant mucosal recessions occurred over a 12-month follow-up period after treatment.43

The effect of surgical therapy on the postoperative soft-tissue response and marginal recession is crucial for the final esthetic outcome, particularly for patients with a high smile line that exposes interdental papillae and gingival margins. Presently, no study has specifically investigated the effect of surgical intervention treatment of peri-implantitis in the esthetic zone on esthetic outcomes using patient-centered and subjective markers. Only a few case reports have described successful resolution of inflammation and partial bone fill events but with highly compromised esthetic outcome.44

Severe peri-implantitis occasionally dictates implant removal and retreatment. In most cases, it leads to a severe residual bone defect that requires sophisticated methods to create proper bone for implant placement. To date, the treatment of complex alveolar bone defects, especially within the esthetic zone, remains challenging.

Because of the aforementioned issues, clinicians should consider alternatives to implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone. Such alternatives include tooth-supported restorations or conventional or adhesive bridges. Medium- to long-term resin-bonded bridges showed survival rates of 91.4% and 82.9% after 5 and 10 years, respectively.45 These results support the use of resin-bonded restorations as a predictable alternative to implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone. Anterior bridges had a higher survival rate, with zirconia frameworks performing better than those comprised of metal alloys. Undoubtedly, dental implants provide an excellent solution for long-term function and esthetics; however, such a restoration involves extremely accurate and complex planning and treatment and carries copious risks that might evolve over the long term. Particular care should be taken when placing implants in young patients since this treatment option can have negative repercussions for a lifetime. If implant placement is considered in these situations, adherence to biologic principles is essential to minimize risk for future peri-implantitis.

Minimizing Risk for Peri-implantitis

Currently, the most recognized etiological agent of peri-implantitis is bacterial plaque.36 To reduce the risk for inflammation, patients should perform effective plaque control measures and comply with a personalized maintenance program.46 Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes are also suggested risk factors that promote peri-implantitis, but the evidence is still inconclusive.36

Some clinical considerations prior to implant therapy can also minimize the risk of future peri-implantitis. Thick and wide keratinized peri-implant tissue was shown to be less susceptible to inflammation and bone loss.47 In the absence of such favorable conditions, soft-tissue grafting should be indicated to protect the underlying crestal bone.

The prosthetic design is also important. Prosthetically driven implant position and adequate spacing may facilitate a cleansable restoration. Screw-retained restorations prevent submucosal cement retention, which may trigger inflammation and damage.48 Periodontally susceptible patients were found to be two to three times more prone to peri-implantitis than healthy individuals.36 In such cases, an alternative to implant-supported restoration should be considered. If implant treatment is utilized, evidence has shown that a machined collar or minimally rough surface exhibits a lower prevalence of peri-implantitis.49

Conclusion

A "picture-perfect" smile has become highly desired among much of the western population. People seek esthetic dental treatment for a variety of reasons, including correction of previously failed cosmetic treatments, repair of trauma-related incidents, preparation for upcoming social or professional events, and a desire to look and feel younger. However, long-term esthetic complications can lead to a patient's disappointment. When devising a treatment plan for patients with compromised dentitions, the clinician's choice often is either to build on the existing teeth or perform tooth extraction followed by restoration with implant-supported reconstruction. Where esthetic tooth replacement is involved, the choice is even more challenging.

Both tooth- and implant-supported restorations are acceptable in the hands of a capable clinician, but many variables dictate clinicians' decisions. Some of these variables are patient dependent, and many are operator dependent; hence, the dental team must thoroughly discuss all factors before coming to a final treatment decision.

A crucial point of emphasis is that when extractions in the esthetic zone are planned, a careful provision of possible treatment alternatives and expectations should be discussed with the patient and all members of the dental team beforehand. Potential adverse long-term changes should be considered and communicated with the patient. This is essential when proposing implant therapy, as is the ability of the clinician to prevent or treat esthetic complications, which must factor into the decision-making process. The individual risk for peri-implantitis, the patient's gingival phenotype, the height of lip line during smiling and at rest, and the patient's chronological as well as skeletal age should be included in the equation prior to constructing a definitive treatment plan. Furthermore, behavioral traits, including parafunctional habits and various psychological disorders, should be considered beforehand. A detailed informed consent must be completed by the patient that mentions all possible side effects that might occur. If an implant treatment is selected, soft- and hard-tissue enhancement and patient education will be beneficial for the long-term esthetic results.

About the Authors

Lior Shapira, DMD, PhD
Betty and D. Walter Cohen Professor for Clinical Periodontal Research, Chair - Department of Periodontology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Barry P. Levin, DMD
Clinical Associate Professor in Periodontology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania; Private Practice in Periodontology and Dental Implant Therapy, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

Ayala Stabholz, DMD
Clinical Professor in Periodontology, Department of Periodontology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Queries to the author regarding this course may be submitted to authorqueries@aegiscomm.com.

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40. Bianchini MA, Galarraga-Vinueza ME, Apaza-Bedoya K, et al. Two to six-year disease resolution and marginal bone stability rates of a modified resective-implantoplasty therapy in 32 peri-implantitis cases. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2019;21(4):758-765.

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Fig 1. Demonstration of buccal soft-tissue recession in the esthetic zone. Together with a high lip line, this can cause a significant esthetic problem.

Figure 1

Fig 2. Placement of an implant in a young adult. A female patient had had a congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor restored when she was 20 years old. Ten years later (Fig 2) the implant-supported restoration was in an infraocclusion state, shorter than the neighboring teeth, due to continuous skeletal growth. Radiograph (Fig 3) showed the marginal bone level of the implant was not affected.

Figure 2

Fig 3. Placement of an implant in a young adult. A female patient had had a congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor restored when she was 20 years old. Ten years later (Fig 2) the implant-supported restoration was in an infraocclusion state, shorter than the neighboring teeth, due to continuous skeletal growth. Radiograph (Fig 3) showed the marginal bone level of the implant was not affected.

Figure 3

Fig 4. Skeletal growth can affect the esthetic zone at any age. A 35-year-old woman with a missing central incisor (No. 8) due to trauma was restored with an implant. Ten years later, as shown, a small discrepancy between the occlusal planes of the two central incisors due to continued skeletal growth can be noticed.

Figure 4

Fig 5. A 35-year-old patient with a missing central incisor due to trauma was restored with an implant (Fig 5, day of second-stage surgery). Twelve years later she presented to the office complaining that pus was draining from the implant and she felt uncomfortable. As can be seen in Fig 6, severe peri-implant bone loss due to peri-implantitis was evident.

Figure 5

Fig 6. A 35-year-old patient with a missing central incisor due to trauma was restored with an implant (Fig 5, day of second-stage surgery). Twelve years later she presented to the office complaining that pus was draining from the implant and she felt uncomfortable. As can be seen in Fig 6, severe peri-implant bone loss due to peri-implantitis was evident.

Figure 6

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SOURCE: Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry | July 2021

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the specific challenges related to placement of implants in the esthetic zone
  • Identify the long-term biologic complications associated with the esthetic zone
  • Describe the risk factors that could impair implant restoration esthetics in the long term

Disclosures:

Dr. Shapira is a scientific advisor for MIS Implants. The authors had no other disclosures to report.

Queries for the author may be directed to justin.romano@broadcastmed.com.