Lithium Disilicate Crown, Zirconia Hybrid Abutment and Platform Switching to Improve the Esthetics in Anterior Region: A Case Report

Introduction

Rehabilitation with osseointegrated dental implants is a well-documented modality in the literature for patients with the need for partial or full-arch prostheses.¹ However, a dental implant therapy in the aesthetic area is undoubtedly one of the most challenging procedures among current dental rehabilitations.²

The difficulty in achieving a balance between a long-term success restoration and the patient’s aesthetic expectations results in selecting glass and polycrystalline ceramic materials for the restoration.^2–4 As with minimally traumatic extraction surgeries to preserve hard and soft tissues, the aim is to ensure an adequate implant installation with the possibility of immediate loading in the same surgical procedure.⁵

Immediate loading ensures fewer clinical and laboratory procedures, allows soft tissue modeling during healing, and facilitates case prognosis.² In addition, the use of platform switching abutments can maintain even more soft tissue around the implant, with adequate chewing load distribution and acceptable strength.⁶

As an alternative option to maintain a stable and favorable volume of peri-implant tissue through immediate loading and concave abutments, the clinician may use a hybrid abutment composed of a ceramic mesostructure and a metallic link to improve the aesthethics.⁴ A hybrid abutment seeks to maintain the largest volume of its structure in ceramic and the connection in metal, which can be machined according to the peri-implant emergence profile.^7–9

The literature has not yet reported how the association of all these methods can be performed in a single case, nor how the final result can be harmonically presented between soft, hard and synthetic materials. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to present the clinical steps for a dental implant with immediate provisional restoration, followed by implant-supported all-ceramic crowns with zirconia abutment and platform switching. The patient provided written informed consent for publication of his data and photos.

Case Report

A 40-year-old male patient was referred to the dental office with a complaint of smile dissatisfaction relating to the appearance of their maxillary incisors associated with pain during chewing. Figures 1 and 2 present the initial case showing extensive restoration in the anterior teeth and color mismatch of the incisors. The clinical examination revealed extensive direct restorations in the anterior teeth with unsatisfactory color and unusual movement of the crown. Unsatisfying endodontic treatment was detected during the radiographic examination, and radicular fracture in the cervical area with signs of initial periodontal injuries. The patient was provided with complete information regarding treatment options to make a decision before tooth extraction, with implant placement in #11 and manufacturing of a ceramic veneer for element #21.

Figure 1 Initial smile showing the compromised aesthetics of the superior central incisors.

Figure 2 Initial case showing extensive restoration in the anterior teeth and color mismatch of the central incisors. It is possible to note the periodontal inflammation in the region of the element 11.

Atraumatic Extraction and Immediate Implant Placement

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image for the patient displayed sufficient alveolar bone support around element #11. The tooth crown was secured extraorally using a forceps (Figure 3A) and removed (Figure 3B). The root canal was shaped and enlarged (Figure 3C) using Gates-Glidden drills. A diamond bur was used to prepare an access cavity for insertion of a self-tapping anchor screw (diameter = 1.8 mm) into the coronal part of the root. The root extractor (Apex Control, Meisinger USA. L.L.C.) was assembled and placed on the adjacent teeth (lateral incisive and central incisive) (Figure 3D). Next, a pull string was attached to the anchor screw and the tooth was extruded gradually by increasing the tensile force without lateral movements (Figure 3E). Figure 3F presents the occlusal view of the alveolus.

Figure 3 (A–F) Atraumatic surgical procedure. (A, B) fractured crown removal, (C) root prepared for the positioning of the extractor device. (D) Frontal view of the positioned device. (E) Root extraction and (F) the final aspect of the surgical alveolus with soft and hard tissue preservation.

An internal connection implant (Galimplant, Dental Implant System, Lugo, Spain) was selected for this case with 3.5 mm diameter and 12 mm length. The implant was placed at 2 mm above the level of the buccal plate of the crestal bone. The installation torque of the implant was ensured at 40 N.cm, and a transepithelial abutment (Galimplant, Dental Implant System, Lugo, Spain) was installed with 30 N.Cm on the implant. Figure 4A–F summarizes the implant installation. The buccal gap was filled with an allergen-free bone substitute material of bovine origin (Bio-Oss, Geistrich, Swiss).

Figure 4 (A–F) Implant placement procedure and temporary abutment preparation. (A) Frontal view of the alveolus. (B) Implant installation. (C, D) Abutment installation. (E) Implant temporary framework installation and (F) adaptation.

Temporary Restoration

After implant placement (Figure 4A–D), an implant temporary framework (Immediate load Abutment, Galimplant, Dental Implant System, Lugo, Spain) made in PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) was used (Figure 4E). The framework was connected with a manual torque wrench to the implant in the patient’s mouth, and Teflon tape was used to fill the screw access hole. Next, the cylinder was individualized with a diamond-bur (#2136) and constant water source as a conventional preparation for cemented crown (Figure 4F). After the protection of the access hole with Teflon tape (Figure 5A and B), a temporary prefabricated crown (Premium, Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany) was selected with approximately the same dimensions of the adjacent tooth and color. The crown was adapted using a tungsten bur and positioned with acrylic resin in contact with the temporary abutment (Figure 5C). After the resin polymerization, the set was gently removed from the abutment and the final shape was manually performed with acrylic resin (Figure 5D). After the shaping, the temporary crown was polished with diamond rubbers (Astropol, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and a layer of acrylic glaze (Palaseal, Kulzer, São Paulo, Brazil) was applied on its surface. The crown was installed with a manual torque wrench, the prosthetic screw was protected with Teflon tape, and the buccal access hole was sealed with acrylic resin. Figure 5E and F present the provisional restoration in position. Post-operative instructions were given to the patient and recall visits were done after 7 days, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. The healing was assessed on each follow-up appointment with no signs of inflammation or infection. In addition, the development of the soft tissue emergence profile around the implant was monitored and the provisional restoration was adjusted when required. Aesthetics and phonetics were evaluated and the patient displayed complete satisfaction with the outcome.

Figure 5 (A–F) Temporary crown individualization. (A) A Teflon tape was used to protect the screw access hole. (B, C) Insertion of acrylic resin at the abutment’s anterior face, and, the positioning of the individualized veneer. (D) Removal of the unfinished temporary crown. (E, F) The crown in position immediately and after the healing period.

Zirconia Abutment Manufacturing

After the healing period (90 days), an open tray impression was done using polyvinylsiloxane impression materials (Virtual, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). The transference of the emergence profile of the soft tissue was performed with the temporary crown, removing the prosthethic screw prior to the impression (Figure 6A). The analogous implant was subsequently connected with the abutment and the artificial peri-implant soft tissue created with soft material (Gingifast, Zhermack, Italy) (Figure 6B). The stone model was manufactured in gypsum type IV with low expansion (GC FujiRock EP, type 4 dental stone, GC Europe, Leuven, Belgium). Next, the emergence profile and the cervical contour were checked and approved by the dentist and technician (Figure 6C and D).

Figure 6 (A–D) (A, B) Impression with the transferred temporary crown. (B) Artificial peri-implant soft tissue. (C, D) Stone model with adequate emergence profile and implant soft-tissue contours.

The zirconia mesostructure (Ceramill Zolid; Amann Girrbach, Paraná, Brazil) was milled in a machining unit (Ceramil Motion II, Amann Girrbach, Paraná, Brazil). The zirconia was initially present in the monoclinic phase, 20% higher in volume than the final shape (Figure 7). The sintering process was carried out in a ceramic oven (Infire HTC speed, Sirona) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A metallic link was used for the connection between the zirconia mesostructure and the abutment (Figure 7). The link received a surface treatment with aluminum oxide 50 μm blasting with 2.0 bar; it was then cleaned in an ultrasonic bath for 5 min. The link was dried with an air jet and received a layer of a primer for metal (Alloy Primer, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.; Tokyo, Japan). The zirconia intaglio surface received a layer of Ceramic Primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.; Tokyo, Japan). The zirconia mesostructure and the metallic link were cemented with the dual resin cement (Panavia F 2.0 Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.; Tokyo, Japan) and each face of the set received light activation for 20 s (Valo, Ultradent Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA). After the complete polymerization of the resin cement, the occlusal portion of the zirconia preparation was sandblasted with aluminum oxide 50 μm under 2.0 bar. This set was installed with 30 N.cm (Figure 8A–C). The screw access hole was protected with Teflon tape and then filled with composite resin (IPS Empress Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein).

Figure 7 Zirconia mesostructure immediately after machining, after sintering process and with the metallic link.

Figure 8 (A–D) (A) Soft tissue aspect after temporary crown removal. (B, C) installation of the hybrid abutment in position. (D) Preparartion of the element 21 for the ceramic veneer.

Ceramic Restorations

Lithium disilicate based ceramic with high translucency was selected to manufacture both implant-supported crowns and veneers. For the veneer preparation, a retraction cord size #00 (Ultradent, Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA) was placed inside the sulcus for mechanical retraction (Figure 8D). Then, the preparation followed the feather design with incisal edge involvement. An open tray was performed with polyvinylsiloxane impression materials (Virtual, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and a stone model was created (GC FujiRock EP, type 4 dental stone, GC Europe, Leuven, Belgium). The crown and the veneer (IPS e.max CAD HT A1, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were milled (Ceramil Motion II, Amann Girrbach, Paraná, Brazil) and crystallized in a ceramic oven (Programat P700; Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The crown then received and extrinsic shade characterization with ceramic stain (IPS e.max ceram, Ivoclar) (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Comparison between the lithium disilicate crown after the crystallization firing and after the shade characterization. Note the platform switching at the abutment profile.

Absolute isolation for the adhesive cementation procedure was performed with a rubber dam and an implant transfer was positioned with flow composite resin to avoid debris in the implant (Figure 10A). The vital tooth received a surface treatment of total etching (Phosphoric acid 35%, Ultra-Etch, Ultradent, Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA) for 30 s (Figure 10B), and then it was washed, dried and received a layer of multi-mode adhesive (Adper Single Bond, 3M ESPE, Dental Products, Minnesota, USA) (Figure 10C). The ceramic veneer inner surface was etched with hydrofluoric acid for 20 s, washed and dried. The adhesive cement (Panavia F 2.0 Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.; Tokyo, Japan) was manipulated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the veneer was cemented (Figure 10D). The excess resin cement was removed (Figure 10E) and photoactivation was then performed (Figure 10F).

Figure 10 (A–F) Ceramic veneering adhesive cementation. (A) Tooth prepared to receive a veneer and the implant protection with an individualized transfer. (B) Tooth substrate acid etching. (C) Adhesive system application. (D) Resin cement application on the ceramic veneer intagliosurface. (E) Excess cement removal with a microbrush. (F) Light activation.

For the implant-supported crown, the analogous was removed, the set installed with 30 N.cm, the screw access hole was protected with Teflon tape (Figure 11A and B) and it was then sealed with composite resin (Figure 11C and D).

Figure 11 (A–D) (A, B) Screw protection with a Teflon tape. (C, D) Screw access hole sealing with composite resin.

The recall visits were done after 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months counting from the delivery of the ceramic restorations (Figure 12). The patient reported being satisfied with the aesthetics and functional outcome of the ceramic restorations.

Figure 12 Final smile showing the achieved aesthetics and soft tissue health.

Discussion

Dental implant rehabilitation can be defined as successful when the natural contours of the lost element are recovered in the prosthesis, achieving harmony with the adjacent teeth.^1–3 The final result of the presented clinical case demonstrated the importance of an atraumatic extraction to preserve the supporting bone tissue and to maintain a large and natural-looking for the peri-implant soft tissue.⁵ Immediate loading by the installation of a well-defined temporary crown with a concave and well-polished emergence profile ensures better tissue resilience after surgery, with almost no unwanted remodeling, which in turn facilitates the prognosis of the case.¹⁰ However, it is important that this emergence profile achieved with the temporary crown during healing is also transferred to the model for manufacturing the final restoration, thereby enabling anatomic similarity of both temporary and final crowns.

The use of a concave abutment for the switching platform also increases the amount of soft tissue in the region and promotes satisfactory aesthetics, even during temporary crown installation.⁶ The zirconia mesostructure metal link is used to ensure a hybrid abutment with a large amount of polycrystalline material which diminished the grayish effect on the mucosa;⁴ however, it also ensures the metallic connection between abutment and crown at the same time, which reduces the incidence of mechanical problems in this interface.⁹

For this case, the veneering manufacture on the adjacent tooth made in the same material as the implant-supported crown helped to achieve a final harmonic smile. However, this restorative modality should only be performed when the healthy tooth has the indication for it, as in this case.^11,12 Specifically for this case, the treatment in the anterior region presented a much more favorable prognosis due to the higher levels of bone due to the altered passive eruption. As a study`s limitations the radiographs are not available.

The lithium disilicate ceramic material was selected because it is a reliable material with a glass matrix reinforced by the disilicate crystals which decreases the crack propagation in these restorations, and also because it can generate aesthetics and adequate resistance to chewing loads.¹³ It is also important to emphasize the need to perform an adequate adhesive procedure with isolation of the operative field using a rubber dam, thereby avoiding saliva residue in the dental substrate.¹⁴ Adequate acid etching in the restoration is also important for the glass matrix to be dissolved and to ensure adequate and durable adhesive bond strength between the restoration and resin cement.¹⁵

Conclusion

The use of a crown in lithium disilicate cemented onto a zirconia hybrid abutment with platform switching enabled improving the aesthetics in the anterior dental region. This is a case report and further studies are needed with follow-up intervals of longer duration to confirm the proposed treatment.