Emergence profile management in the esthetic zone

Implantation and prosthodontics in the anterior zone are considered the most difficult procedures in dentistry. Creating an appropriate emergence profile is necessary to achieve both stable peri-implant tissues and esthetically acceptable outcomes with implant-supported restorations, especially when conditions are limited. This article provides clinical recommendations and presents solutions on how to establish a proper emergence profile when unfavorable clinical outcomes occur.

Online database PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched by using the following keywords in various combinations: dental implant, emergence profile, esthetic zone and soft tissue shaping. All studies fulfilling the selection criteria were carefully reviewed and 8 studies that met the principles were selected for this review.

The emergence profile is influenced by multiple factors, including the position of the implant and the surrounding soft tissues. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of different zones of the emergence profile and their relationship with various factors, such as implant position and soft tissue quality. The guidelines presented in this article shows possible manipulations on the restoration design according to implant position and surrounding soft tissues.

Implant position and soft tissue condition have to be evaluated carefully before making prostheses in order to achieve the proper esthetic view. Understanding distinctive emergence profile characteristics results in the best possible esthetic outcome.

Acknowledgement of how to design an emergence profile when clinical conditions are not in clinician's favor helps to accomplish sufficient results.