Preservation of Existing Soft‐Tissue Contours in the Transition from a Tooth to an Implant Restoration in the Esthetic Zone Using a Flapless Approach: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Two-stage placement of a dental implant is a well-established method for restoring a missing anterior tooth; however, replacement of an anterior tooth by using two-stage implant surgery may result in changes in the interdental papilla height and loss of alveolar bone with compromised esthetic results. Alternatively, the use of a one-stage minimally invasive surgical technique followed by immediate provisionalization may facilitate achievement of esthetic and functional success with minimal discomfort and clinical time. This article presents a clinical case with a single anterior tooth replacement, illustrating ridge preservation with healing, delayed implant placement with immediate provisionalization of the implant to support the soft tissue, and a method of recording the soft-tissue contour in the final impression to achieve an optimal esthetic result.