A decision-making process in dental implant rehabilitation of congenitally missing lateral incisors

Abstract This review addressed the clinical challenges and recommended strategies to improve treatment outcomes in dental implant rehabilitation for lateral incisor agenesis. Unilateral or ilateral congenital absence of lateral incisors represents a severe esthetic and functional deficiency. The validity of the dental implant therapeutic strategy for various clinical scenarios involving missing teeth is well established. Still, concerning lateral incisor agenesis, some specific pre-treatment steps should be revisited. Accurate estimates of time for implant placement, future implant sites, and implant diameter may reduce the risk of therapeutic failure. According to the prosthetically promoted plan, an accurate three-dimensional implant position ensures stable, esthetic results. A multidisciplinary, planning-and-executing approach is essential for achieving predictable outcomes in cases of lateral incisor hypodontia. Orthodontic pre-implantation treatment is mandatory, with termination before the surgery. Narrow-diameter implants are a reliable treatment choice. A guided surgical approach is recommended, with grafting performed either simultaneously or in a two-stage procedure. Compliance with a predefined key protocol for implant rehabilitation in lateral incisor agenesis has the potential to optimize the longstanding performance of dental implant treatment in the esthetic zone.