Tissue preservation and maintenance of optimum esthetics: a clinical report

Today, most tooth replacement in the esthetic zone is done using implants placed in a delayed surgical protocol. Unfortunately, this delay can result in loss of both hard and soft tissue during the healing period, necessitating guided tissue regeneration techniques at the time of implant placement. Recent developments with tapered implants have facilitated predictable immediate implant placement, preserving the osseous structure surrounding the socket. Further developments with custom healing abutments can preserve the crestal soft tissues, including the papillae. This article reviews techniques that provide for the preservation of both bone and soft tissue while enhancing the esthetic results around implants.