Single tooth implants 329

Fig. 8-64. Various sized narrow ridge implants showing the standardized square-shafted posts that enable them to fit into the ratchet.

Fig. 8-65. The narrow ridge implant is ratcheted into the narrow bone.

Fig. 8-66. The shaft of the implant is seen extending from the fibromucosal tissue.

Case 8

A single tooth, narrow ridge implant splinted by a full crown restoration

Many cases involving single tooth implants splinted to a full crown restoration have been done successfully. The implants were of various types, the most practical being vent-plants or spiral-shaft implants. For a single tooth restoration in a narrow ridge, the spiral-post of Michel Chercheve may be used. The retention of this screw, however, may not be good because a screw type implant needs a certain amount of bone for secure attachment. How-ever, in many situations the Chercheve narrow ridge implant has functioned successfully.

This case involves an attractive young girl, age 24, who was missing a maxillary first bicuspid tooth. The cuspid tooth had no fillings and was esthetic-ally perfect; the patient did not want it jacketed. The ridge directly behind it, however, was knife-edged (Fig. 8-61).

The second bicuspid tooth was prepared for a

Fig. 8-67. A, The splint is fitted into position. B, The splint is cemented with hard cement.