Occlusion of the incisal canal with bone chips. A procedure to facilitate insertion of implants in the anterior maxilla.

In 4 patients, who had lost one or both central maxillary incisors due to trauma, the incisal canals were filled with autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the chin. After a healing period of 4-5 months implants were inserted. At the time of implant surgery in all cases the canal appeared to be replaced by cancellous bone and the implants were placed partially into the grafted area. After another 6 months abutments were connected and crowns made. After follow-up of between 12 and 15 months no fixture has been lost.