Accelerated Healing, Rapid Recovery Using Trabecular Metal Implant
Suheil M. Boutros, DDS, MS
A healthy 57-year-old male patient presented interested in having his missing maxillary right first molar replaced with an implant-supported restoration in an accelerated treatment protocol. A periapical radiograph and a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan revealed that the residual height of bone from the crest to the sinus floor was 6 mm. A Trabecular Metal™ Implant (Zimmer Biomet, zimmerbiometdental.com) was chosen for this case, because it is well-suited for use in rapid recovery cases, as the implant is capable of accelerating healing and bone formation through the multiplication of naturally occurring growth factors related to bone formation, wound healing, and vascularization. A full-thickness flap was reflected using a crestal sinus approach, and the sinus lift/implant osteotomy was prepared. The implant and a BellaTek® Encode® Healing Abutment (Zimmer Biomet) were placed in a single-stage protocol. A definitive BellaTek (CAD/CAM) Abutment and an IPS e.max® crown (Ivoclar Vivadent, ivoclarvivadent.com) were placed at 5 weeks post-sinus lift and implant placement.
Key Takeaways
Timely case completion-Placing the Trabecular Metal Implant, whether in a late placement or immediate placement, offers the advantage of completing cases in a predictable, faster approach versus conventional implant therapy. A provisional restoration may be placed at the time of implant placement, followed by placement of a definitive restoration as early as 4 to 6 weeks.
Esthetically demanding cases-In esthetically demanding cases such as the one presented, the clinician had to allow for soft-tissue healing compared to placement in a healed ridge.
Bone ingrowth and secondary stability-The bone ingrowth and secondary stability facilitated by the Trabecular Metal Implant enables completion of cases more quickly, especially in multi-unit cases.
About the Author
Suheil M. Boutros, DDS, MS
Private Practice, Grand Blanc
Clarkston, and Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
Ann Arbor, Michigan