Esthetic and functional considerations for implant restoration of the partially edentulous patient

Many esthetic and functional considerations are reviewed for the partially edentulous implant candidate. With the availability of adjunctive grafting procedures, it is time for the implant team to change the traditional treatment planning approach that allows patient anatomy to dictate implant position and prosthesis design. Dimensions of the edentulous space and evaluation of occlusal relationships are discussed. Soft tissue ridge contour and creation of favorable cervical harmony are also reviewed. Functional demands unique to the partially edentulous patient are outlined in addition to the challenges of creating a prosthesis with natural cervical form and emergence profile.