Clinical Advances in Implant Transmucosal Contouring for Single Implant Sites: Prosthetic and Biologic Considerations

Current evidence suggests that proper implant transmucosal contouring can significantly impact supracrestal soft tissue development and crestal bone response both in early and late stages of treatment. The macrodesign and composition of the anatomical healing abutment or temporary prosthesis used during transmucosal contouring are crucial elements for establishing biologic and prosthetic conditions that minimize early bone remodeling, improve esthetic outcomes, and reduce the possibility for future peri-implant inflammation. This article presents clinical directions on the design and fabrication processes of anatomical healing abutments or temporary prostheses for single implant sites under the interpretation of currently available scientific data.