Manejo de defectos óseos anteroposteriores en el frente estético

objective: development of a clinical protocol for the management of anteroposterior bone defects in the front teeth followed by later rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. material and method: the anatomic concepts that characterize the front teeth and the placement and three-dimensional relations of implants were reviewed. recent literature on bone and soft-tissue reconstruction techniques for the front teeth was reviewed. we present our 8-year experience in managing these defects with different types of grafts. results: a protocol for the treatment of bone defects for rehabilitation of the front teeth with osseointegrated implants is described that depends on the magnitude of the bone defect (small defects that do not jeopardize implant placement, single-wall defects that jeopardize implant placement, or two or three-wall defects) and the patient？s periodontal biotype. conclusions: in aesthetic restoration, maximum precautions must be taken in placing any implant. these precautions must be even greater when bone grafts are required. proper bone graft management makes it possible to correctly place the implants threedimensionally to achieve acceptable aesthetic results for restorations.