This case report illustrates how the Straumann® Bone Level Tapered (BLT) 2.9 mm SC can be used to treat narrow interdental spaces in the aesthetic zone in respect of surrounding tissues (bone and soft tissue), giving the patient the best results for the papilla. It is very easy to use and produces very good primary stability. Thanks to the design of the Loxim™ transfer piece, the insertion is fast, easy, precise and allows for good control of vertical positioning. It also facilitates access to narrow interdental spaces. The oval healing abutment enables optimal soft tissue formation during the transgingival healing process.
Initial situation
A 42-year-old female patient presented at my practice with a congenitally absent maxillary lateral incisor #21 (Fig. 1). The coronal space between teeth #21 and #23 was limited because of the distal migration of tooth #21 (Fig. 2), making placement of an implant impossible without prior orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic treatment aimed at mesio-distal widening of the space between the teeth #21 and #23 and alignment of the incisor midline was carried out by Dr Gilles Schneider. After the treatment was finished the space was still narrow but allowed for placement of a narrow diameter implant (Figs. 3, 4).
Treatment planning
After discussing the situation with the patient, it was agreed that a small-diameter (2.9 mm) implant would be placed in position #22, followed by fixed restoration. A connective tissue graft for increasing the buccal plate volume as well as the veneering of tooth #13 were also planned.
Surgical procedure
