Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and microdontia: Minimally invasive symmetric and asymmetric esthetic rehabilitation

Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is a condition that significantly compromises smile esthetics, which is particularly worrying in young patients. This article shows how the combination of non-invasive treatments and current restorative options may improve clinical outcomes following orthodontic treatment for symmetric and asymmetric maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and microdontia. Teeth were treated with conservative resin restorations in three separate cases: two of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors (i.e., unilateral and bilateral) and one of microdontia. After presenting the clinical results, this article summarizes how bleaching, enameloplasty, and bonding with composite resin can enhance esthetics and functions following orthodontic space closure. The cases reveal that carefully planned, methodically executed orthodontic and restorative approaches can achieve predictable, esthetic outcomes that will improve the patient’s self-esteem with a minimally invasive solution.

Stumbling upon Palatogingival Groove: A Case Report

Palatogingival grooves (PGG) are developmental malformations infamous for precipitating endodontic-periodontal lesions. Pertaining to their discreet occurrence, variation in groove depth and funnel like shape, adherence of plaque and calculus is apparent thereby jeopardizing the periodontium and pulp. A case of palatogingival groove in maxillary left lateral incisor was diagnosed and managed with endodontic treatment followed by open flap debridement to seal the groove with biodentine and fill the defect with bone graft. On follow up, the periapical lesion and the periodontal pocket were successfully resolved.

Detailed three-dimensional orthodontic tooth repositioning to improve restorative outcome:

ABSTRACT The case describes the interdisciplinary treatment of a 23-year-old woman with a Class III malocclusion, missing an upper right lateral incisor, abrasion of the maxillary incisal edges, anterior gingival margin discrepancies, and gingival recession. Initially, the patient was treated with fixed appliances combined with orthognathic surgery. The extraction of the upper left lateral incisor and bilateral canine substitution plan was chosen. At the end of the surgical and orthodontic treatment, the restorative treatment with six veneers was accomplished to improve smile esthetics. Despite the missing lateral incisors, the patient showed a natural, good-looking final result. A symmetric incisal plane was established, a functional occlusion with average vertical and horizontal overlap was set, and the bone scallop and consequently the gingival margins were leveled. The interdisciplinary approach hid all of the initial esthetic defects of the case. The result highlights how to obtain a remarkable improvement of the smile outcome with a well-functioning masticatory system.

Endodontic Management of a Maxillary Lateral Incisor with Dens Invagination and Periapical Lesion: A Case Report and Mini Review of the Literature

Dens invagination (DI) is a dental anomaly that can cause pulpal and periapical pathoses of the affected tooth. We describe the treatment of a healthy 18-year-old female with a chief complaint of recurrent facial swelling pertaining to a peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisor with DI. Examinations showed necrosis of the involved tooth with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Cone-beam computed tomography corresponded to Oehlers type II DI. Orthograde endodontic treatment was performed. To completely debride the canal and resolve the persistent purulent discharge, various methods and medicaments were used in separate sessions including passive ultrasonic activation of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution, calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine, and double antibiotic paste as intracanal medicament. After resolution of the symptoms, the root canal and the invaginated space were filled by a mineral trioxide aggregate plug and backfilled with thermoplasticized gutta-percha. At the one-year follow-up, complete bone healing was noted in the affected periradicular area.

A CBCT Based Assessment of Canine Eruption and Development Following Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients Born With Unilateral Cleft lip and/or Palate

To three-dimensionally assess and visualize the eruption path and development of the maxillary canine following alveolar bone grafting in patients born with cleft lip and palate. A further objective of this analysis was to assess how the presence of the lateral incisor impacts the eruption path of the canine. Observational follow-up study. Stockholm Craniofacial Team, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Thirty children born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip with or without palate were consecutively included. CBCT scans of the maxilla were taken six months before and six months after the alveolar bone-grafting surgery for each patient. Canine eruption (angulation and vertical movement) and canine development (length and volume). There was a significant difference pre- and post-operatively of the canine angulation between the cleft and non-cleft sides. The mean angulation on the cleft side was 14.7° (SD = 11.1°) while on the non-cleft side, it was 4.9° (SD = 9.2°). No significant differences were noted between cleft-side and non-cleft side canines in terms of amount of vertical eruption and volumetric development. Absence of the lateral incisor did not significantly contribute to either canine angulation or its vertical eruption on the cleft-side. Higher angulation of the canine on the cleft side indicates a higher risk of future canine impaction. Presence or absence of the lateral incisor did not significantly affect canine angulation or its vertical eruption. Increased age and children born with total cleft lip and palate imply a higher risk of angulated canines on the cleft side.

Resolution of a large periapical lesion in an immature maxillary lateral incisor with the aid of triple antibiotic paste

Apexification procedures are frequently performed on immature permanent teeth with incomplete root formation, open apices and necrotic pulp status with or without periapical lesions in order to induce a calcific barrier prior to root canal therapy. The elimination and control of infection in the root canal space is critical to the success of these procedures. A healthy 21-year old male presented with pulpal necrosis, a large periapical lesion, incomplete root formation and an open apex on a maxillary right lateral incisor. Triple antibiotic paste was used to achieve antimicrobial control after traditional calcium hydroxide paste medicament failed to resolve the symptoms. Obturation was achieved using MTA and the conventional apexification technique. Excellent healing of the large periapical lesion was achieved without surgical intervention and the 4-year follow-up CBCT demonstrated complete bone fill of the lesion. Clinicians should be aware that alternative antimicrobial medicaments, such as triple antibiotic paste, may be beneficial in situations where conventional medicaments prove unsuccessful. The use of triple antibiotic paste may result in sufficient healing of the periapical lesion to justify placement of an MTA apical barrier without the need for surgical intervention