Improving implant aesthetics: prosthetically generated papilla through tissue modeling with composite.
Dental implants provide clinicians with a predictable means of replacing the function of lost natural teeth. Whereas innovative restorative materials and techniques have yielded predictable "white aesthetics" for a tooth, comparable success with the "pink aesthetics" of implant restorations has been more problematic. This article describes a technique for improving the aesthetic outcome of implant dentistry by contouring soft tissue around implants through a buildup of composite to a "UCLA-type" abutment. From this technique, it is believed that a similar procedure for other implant systems can be easily and successfully extrapolated.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses a technique that allows for implant placement in cases where the emergence profile has been compromised. Upon reading this article, the reader should: Understand why the pink aesthetics of the patient's smile are as important as the "white aesthetics". Learn how to contour the soft tissues surrounding implants.
LeSage
Brian P
BP
UCLA Aesthetic Continuum, UCLA Dental School, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Brian@cosmetic-dentistry.com
D000328:Adult; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000628:therapy; D013499:Surface Properties; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000628:therapy
D003188:Composite Resins; D015921:Dental Implants