title: A review of the functional and esthetic requirements for dental implants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The esthetic replacement of teeth has become an important standard for implant dentistry. While defining this goal has not been difficult, the ability to restore implants esthetically has been fraught with obstacles and sometimes has not been attainable. The purpose of this review is to summarize essential anatomical and surgical considerations for cosmetic implant dentistry.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article provides a summary of the predominant findings from clinical studies and case reports that help develop implant surgical guidelines for better esthetic outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Soft- and hard-tissue requirements for placing an implant in an ideal position are defined. The authors discuss the best treatment approaches as well as the limitations associated with esthetic implant placement. They evaluate the available data specifically for the maxillary anterior sextant, since this anatomical region has higher esthetic demands.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several parameters and various surgical techniques have been developed to manipulate soft- and hard-tissue contours and to control the esthetic outcome for implant-supported restorations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is essential for practitioners to understand the anatomical basis for and limitations of implant dentistry in the esthetic zone.
authors.affiliation: Section of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Binnaz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leblebicioglu
authors.forename: Swati
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rawal
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mariotti
mesh_terms: D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000592:standards*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000592:standards*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants