The
aesthetics restoration of facial appearance and improved dental
function with implant prosthodontics is directly related to
correctly restoring missing intraoral soft and hard tissues and
the aesthetics and technical abilities of the dentist and dental
technician.l The use of dental implants for oral
rehabilitation has revolutionized prosthodontics over the past 3
decades. Multiple studies have proven the efficacy and excellent
long-term prognosis with dental implants.2-5
While initial research and clinical use were directed primarily
toward the edentulous patient, more recent studies have focused
on the aesthetic and functional use of implants in the partially
edentulous patient.6 The most challenging area of
modern implant dentistry remains the “esthetic zone” in the
anterior maxilla and mandible. Replacing multiple anterior teeth
in the otherwise dentate patient requires careful consideration
of the location and volume of residual bone, soft tissue
aesthetics, and room for the implants and prosthesis.
REFERENCES
1. Zarb G, Bolender C, Carlsson, G, Boucher’s Prosthodontic
Treatment for Edentulous Patients, Eleventh Edition. St. Louis,
The C. V. Mosby Company; 1997.
2. Adell R, Lekholm U,
Rockler B, Branemark P-I. A 15-year study of osseointergrated
implants in the treatment of edentulous jaw. Int J Oral Surg
1981;10(6):387-416.
3. Branemark P-I., Zarb
GA, Alberktsson T (eds). Tissue-Intergrated Prostheses.
Osseointergration in Clinical Dentistry. Carol Stream, Il;
Quintessence, 1985.Linquist LW,
4. Carlsson GE, Glantz
PO. Rehabilation of the edentulous mandible with a tissue-
intergrated fixed prothesis: A 6-year longitudinal study.
Quintessence Int 1987; 18:89-96
5. Laney WR, Tolman D,
Keller EE, Desjard RP, Van Roekel NB, Branemark P-I. Dental
implants; Tissue-intergrated prosthesis utilizing the
osseointergration concept. Mayo Clin Proc 1986;61(2):91-97.
6. Chiche GJ, Block MS,
Pinault A. Implant surgical template for partially edentulous
patients. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 1989;4:289-292.