Development of implant soft tissue emergence profile: a technique

Despite successful osseointegration of dental implants, patients can be dissatisfied with the definitive restoration because of a poor esthetic result. An esthetic implant restoration depends on correct implant placement and a well-designed and fabricated prosthesis that includes the prosthetic teeth and the surrounding whether it is acrylic resin or soft tissue. This article describes a technique to help predict, develop, and evaluate implant prostheses and their soft tissue contours at the provisional restoration stage. This technique records the planned and subsequently proven contours, which are then used to guide fabrication of the final prosthesis and produce a predictable esthetic result.