Transferring the Emergence Profile from the Provisional to the Final Restoration

Abstract

In implant restorations, the ability to manage the response of soft tissue properly and achieve a proper emergence profile is a primary goal for the clinician. The desirable emergence profile can be formed by the use of the provisional restorations. Once this task is achieved, the soft tissue contour must be transferred accurately to the final restoration. In this technique article, four different methods are presented for transferring the emergence profile: the modification of the impression post by adding composite resin intraorally or extraorally, the fabrication of a working cast mimicking the soft tissue contour, and the use of CAD/CAM technology. Each technique presents certain advantages and disadvantages. The choice, therefore, relies on the clinician's judgment depending on the available materials, time, and familiarization with the necessary steps. The aim of this technique article is to describe, evaluate, and compare with the use of clinical examples these four techniques presented for the transfer of the emergence profile from the provisional to the final restoration. The application of these simple, yet important, techniques can not only help achieve optimal esthetics but also contribute to the maintenance of peri-implant health. Especially in esthetically demanding cases-such as in implant restorations in the anterior area or in cases with high lip line-their application can lead to a more predictable final result.