title: Establishing soft tissue integration with natural tooth-shaped abutments.
abstract: The disparity in dimensions between implant fixtures and the exposed extraction sockets has resulted in the development of anatomically shaped abutments. Systems have been recently introduced that facilitate the fabrication of abutments to the configuration of natural teeth in the anterior maxilla. These systems permit development of an aesthetic emergence profile and contours for easy access in maintenance of oral hygiene of maxillary anterior single-tooth implant-supported restorations. The rationale for the development, indications, advantages, and clinical utilization of a recently introduced abutment system is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sadan
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D000044:Dental Abutments; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D003765:Models, Dental; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment