Abstract
Implant therapy has become a reliable and predictable treatment alternative for the replacement of missing teeth with conventional removable and fixed partial dentures. Recently though, in the pursuit for improved esthetics, the literature has dedicated a considerable amount of its research on the successful maintenance and regeneration of the surrounding gingiva and bone, which are lost following extraction of a tooth. Thoroughly analyzing the anatomic situation and well-planned treatment has become a requirement, because incorrectly planned and positioned implants may jeopardize long-term esthetic and functional prognosis. In addition, many types of biocompatible materials, autogenous hard and soft tissue grafts, and different surgical techniques have been developed, and their viability has been investigated. As a result, implant specialists have gained a greater understanding of the dynamics and anatomical and biological concepts of the periodontium and peri-implant tissues both at the surgical and prosthetic phases of treatment, which contributes to better soft and hard tissue management (SHTM). This may further contribute to achieving a superior final result which is obtained by having a harmonious soft tissue profile, a correctly placed and contoured final restoration, and the reestablishment of masticatory function and phonetics.
Highlights
The increasing demand over the years for highly esthetic results in all facets of dentistry has influenced dental implants and has made achieving optimal esthetic results more challenging for the implant specialist and subsequently led to a greater consideration and study of all the contributing factors, both at the micro- and macroscopical level to achieve such a result
Though the number of implants placed was too small, the results indicate that no significant difference in bone gain was present between either of the procedures, and the authors concluded that both guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques were effective for vertical bone augmentation [34]
Conclusions from a clinical study where autogenous cortical block grafts were used without the use of membranes, but were fixated with titanium screws indicate that this technique is safe, effective, and simple [35]
Summary
The increasing demand over the years for highly esthetic results in all facets of dentistry has influenced dental implants and has made achieving optimal esthetic results more challenging for the implant specialist and subsequently led to a greater consideration and study of all the contributing factors, both at the micro- and macroscopical level to achieve such a result. An esthetically accepted result depends on the shade and form of the final restoration, and in order to be achieved, it needs careful consideration, and often manipulation of the soft and hard structures adjacent to the implant, the abutment, and final restoration. This demand for better esthetics should alter the way in which implant specialists treatment plans and places dental implants, especially in the more esthetically demanding anterior region, by considering the soft and hard tissue management (SHTM) at the early treatment planning stage. Part II of this paper will describe the key concepts both the theoretical and clinical prosthetic components which the literature has emphasized as having an important role in SHTM in implant therapy, by discussing their direct effect on these structures, and on the final result
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
