Restoring a “Hopeless” Upper Lateral Incisor (#22) Using the BOPT Technique and Zirconia Crown

In middle age, broken teeth, especially in the anterior region, not only affect aesthetics but also significantly impact chewing and communication. In the past, teeth fractured close to the gum line often had to be extracted for implant placement. However, with advancements in modern dentistry, the BOPT technique combined with full zirconia crowns has opened up opportunities to restore and preserve natural teeth, even in cases once considered “hopeless.”

1. Clinical Case Information

Patient D.N.M, male, 59 years old, visited Herident Dental Clinic with an upper anterior tooth fractured close to the gum line. The crown was almost completely lost, leaving only the root, but the surrounding periodontal tissue remained healthy. He shared that the broken tooth made him reluctant to smile and made biting and chewing food more difficult than before.

Mr. M. wished to restore his anterior tooth with a natural shape, ensuring proper chewing function without the need for extraction. However, he was also concerned about the possibility of requiring an implant—a costly and time-consuming treatment. For this reason, Herident’s dentists decided to pursue a treatment plan focused on maximizing the preservation of his natural tooth.

2. Diagnosis & Assessment

Upon clinical examination, the dentist noted that tooth #22 was severely fractured close to the gum line, leaving only the root. X-ray results showed that the root retained sufficient length and stability to allow restoration using a conservative prosthetic technique. This factor made the case suitable for applying the BOPT technique—an advanced method in aesthetic dental restoration.

Patient's initial conditions

3. Treatment Plan

After thorough evaluation, the dentist chose a treatment plan to preserve the natural tooth using the following procedure:

• Root canal treatment for tooth #22.
• Placement of a fiberglass post to reinforce the root.
• Rebuilding the tooth core with composite using the BOPT technique—without creating a finish line.
• Restoration with a full zirconia crown to ensure both aesthetics and high durability.

4. Procedure Steps

1. Root canal treatment and placement of a fiberglass post to reinforce the tooth.
2. Building the tooth core using the BOPT technique, allowing the gum to closely adapt to the restoration and minimizing future gum recession.
3. Impression taking, designing, trial fitting, and placement of the zirconia crown with high precision.

Result: The gum margin fits snugly, the gingival tissue healed well, and the color is naturally harmonious.

5. Treatment Results & Patient Feedback

Immediately after the restoration was completed:

• The gum margin is stable and closely adapts to the zirconia crown.
  
• The color and shape appear natural and are harmonious with the smile.
  

Chewing function was fully restored.

Patient’s post-treatment results

Feedback:

“I am very satisfied that my tooth was preserved and looks completely natural. I never expected that such a damaged tooth could still be saved!”

6. What is the BOPT Technique?

BOPT (Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique) is a crown preparation method that does not create a finish line. Unlike traditional techniques with a fixed margin, BOPT allows the gum tissue to biologically “adapt” to the crown, achieving a natural gingival contour and optimal aesthetics.

Advantages of the BOPT Technique:

• Controls, improves, and maintains a stable gingival margin.
• Restorations fit snugly and tightly, reducing the risk of gingivitis.
• Maximizes the preservation of natural tooth structure.
• Provides long-lasting aesthetic results.

However, this technique is only suitable for cases with a stable root and healthy periodontal tissue—such as Mr. M.’s clinical case.

The restoration of the “hopeless” upper lateral incisor (#22) using the BOPT technique combined with a zirconia crown is a clear example of the modern dentistry philosophy: “preserve rather than replace.”
Thanks to accurate diagnosis and the application of advanced techniques, Herident's doctors have helped patients regain their confident smile and original chewing function.

Herident Dental Clinic has a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists.

At Herident, every treatment aims to maximize the preservation of natural teeth. Our team of dentists continually updates their skills with the latest dental techniques, such as BOPT, zirconia crowns, and adhesive restorations—minimally invasive solutions that deliver results that are both aesthetic and durable.

At Herident, dental restorations are not just about recreating a smile—they are about preserving the true value of each of your teeth.