A segmental osteotomy with 3D virtual planning to move a malpositioned dental implant

BACKGROUND: Correct positioning and alignment of dental implants are crucial to successfully meet the aesthetic and functional criteria in implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. When an implant is in the wrong position, especially in the esthetical zone, there are limited options to solve it. Some techniques have been described to reposition implants, such as reverse torque, trephine drills, and segmental osteotomies; current approaches aim to reduce the damage of the periimplant tissues. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old man with good general health was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of the CES University, Medellin Colombia in 2017, He had undergone a previous camouflage orthodontic therapy for a dental Class III, which finished in 2014, posteriorly a dental implant was placed in 2015 to replace upper right lateral incisor (1.2) before vertical growth of maxilla was complete; therefore, the implant was retained in a coronal position. A segmental osteotomy was suggested to reposition the implant in a more caudal position, a 3D surgical cut guide obtained by virtual planning was used to increase osteotomy accuracy and lower human error, to avoid the risk of damaging the adjacent tissues and to achieve a predictable result. CONCLUSIONS: The segmental alveolar osteotomy is an effective alternative to reposition an implant; however, it must be carefully planned because human error remains a possibility that may affect the final result. Therefore, 3D planning is a better way to minimize these mistakes during the surgical procedure and the final position of the implant.