A direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) root analogue implant placed in the anterior maxilla. Case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Modern cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition and three-dimensional (3D) image processing, combined with direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), allows custom-made, root-analogue implants (RAIs). PURPOSE: To demonstrate how DMLS permits customized titanium RAI production, with immediate insertion and restoration in a fresh extraction socket of the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A titanium RAI perfect copy of the radicular unit needed for replacement was created by customized DMLS, and inserted into a fresh extraction socket of the esthetic area of the anterior maxilla. RESULTS: Follow-up after 1 year: the DMLS RAI implant showed a satisfactory functional and esthetic integration, with no bone resorption or soft tissue recessions. CONCLUSIONS: The production of customized DMLS RAIs opens new interesting perspectives for immediate implantation. KEY WORDS: Direct metal laser sintering, Root analogue implant.