Enhancing implant esthetics with ideal provisionalization

Recent literature has increased our understanding of how the osseous crest responds to implant placement. Proper pre-prosthetic conditioning of these tissues is required to achieve predictable esthetic results in the anterior region.

The author presents a case of a 38-year-old male with traumatic loss of a central incisor replaced with an ITI implant. The case demonstrates the fabrication of a provisional temporary crown designed to optimize the development of ideal soft tissue form.

The difference between implants and teeth in terms of sulcular makeup (osseointegration vs. periodontal ligaments and circumferential fibers vs. transverse ligamental fibers) requires modification of procedures for temporary crown fabrication.