Predictable periimplant gingival esthetics: use of the natural tooth as a provisional following implant placement.
Maintaining the interdental papilla and bone height following implant placement has been a challenge for the restorative dentist. Bone resorption following anterior tooth extraction is common and often compromises the esthetics of the final restoration. The tissue must be maintained during the surgical and healing phases to achieve an esthetic outcome. Using the patient's natural tooth as a provisional can help maintain the volume and support the papilla. This article describes a technique to achieve maximum esthetics and preservation of tissue following tooth extraction and implant placement.


CONCLUSIONS
By using the patient's extracted natural tooth, the tissue should maintain itself with minimal recession. This will allow for a more esthetic outcome.
Margeas
Robert C
RC
Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, USA. rcmarge@aol.com
D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003794:Dental Restoration, Temporary / Q000379:methods*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019228:Tooth Crown; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects