title: Development of gingival esthetics in the edentulous patient prior to dental implant placement using a flangeless removable prosthesis: a case report.
abstract: Development of gingival contours found in healthy natural dentitions enhances the esthetic results achieved with implant-supported fixed prostheses. However, this endeavor is frequently difficult to achieve, especially in the completely edentulous patient. Edentulous patients with optimal hard and soft tissue can be treated with a specially designed removable prosthesis that will develop gingival contours prior to implant placement. By means of a transitional complete removable prosthesis with ovate pontics and no labial flange, a natural-looking soft tissue profile can be developed prior to dental implant placement. A minimally invasive tissue punch surgical technique is used to place the implants, which are immediately restored with a 1-piece, cross-arch, provisional fixed prosthesis. This article presents the prosthodontic and surgical protocols utilized to improve the appearance of the definitive implant rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, and Implant Dentistry Program, Buchanan Dental Center, University of California at San Francisco, USA. drcycle@aol.com
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Kinsel
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lamb
mesh_terms: D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003794:Dental Restoration, Temporary; D003825:Denture, Complete, Immediate; D003827:Denture, Complete, Upper; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005893:Gingivoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014093:Tooth, Artificial