Implant-supported restorations in the anterior region: prosthetic considerations

Achieving functional and aesthetic implant-supported restorations in the partially edentulous patient can be particularly challenging when the implant sites are in the anterior region and not in harmony with the adjacent dentition. The learning objective of this article is to focus on presurgical evaluation of anterior implant sites and systematic development of related therapeutic modalities. Utilization of guided bone regeneration and connective tissue grafting predictably facilitates implant positioning that is compatible with required aesthetic restoration and soft tissue contours. Other aspects, such as abutment protection caps with variable emergence profiles, provisional restorations for the development of optimal periimplant soft tissue contours, and fabrication guidelines for different types of prosthetic restorations, are also discussed.