Immediate management of the single-unit extracted tooth in the anterior aesthetic zone – temporizing/stabilizing tissues

Abstract

The loss of a tooth within the aesthetic zone presents surgical and restorative challenges to the clinician. The immediate management of the extraction site must meet the patients' aesthetic aspirations whilst optimizing the healing of the alveolar bone and gingival tissues, to facilitate future definitive prosthetic replacement. Arrays of clinical approaches have been proposed to promote optimal tissue healing with these techniques often combining alveolar ridge preservation techniques, soft tissue grafting and transitional prosthodontic stages. The aim of this article is to update the dental clinician on the socket-healing process, provide guidance on the surgical and prosthodontic options available to the clinician and offer insight into differences in outcome. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article is relevant to dental clinicians aiming to extract and restore single-tooth units.