Managing the soft tissue margin: the key to implant aesthetics

Developing a natural contour and anatomically dimensioned soft tissue margin is critical to attaining an aesthetic implant restoration. Anatomically dimensioned temporary healing abutments can be used to guide the soft tissue healing to the size of the tooth to be replaced. This article discusses aesthetics, indications, contour, available sizes of the abutment, crown "ledge," soft tissue maturation, healing time, and predictability of the procedure. The learning objective of this article is an enhanced understanding of the principles and placement technique of the temporary healing abutments.