PPAD Hurzeler e Dietmar
PPAD Hurzeler e Dietmar
PPAD Hurzeler e Dietmar
When implants are utilized to restore the dentition in an aesthetically prominent region, there are four different time points when the
periimplant tissue can be influenced — prior to implant placement, simultaneously with implant placement or during the healing
phase of the implant, at second-stage surgery, and during the maintenance phase. There is no single optimal point in time for man-
aging the periimplant tissues; the patients present for treatment at various stages, and each case has to be individually evaluated and
an appropriate treatment plan designed. The earlier periimplant tissue management is initiated, the greater are the opportunities for
a successful result. The learning objective of this article is to review these options by means of case presentations. The different
surgical procedures are explained and their advantages or disadvantages discussed. Four case reports are used to demonstrate the
rationale and the clinical procedures. An improvement in the aesthetic harmony was attained in all four cases.
S
oft tissue management has be-
come a key topic in aesthetically
oriented implant dentistry.1,2
While previous challenges with
dental aesthetics could be ad-
dressed by improving manufacturing pro-
cedures and technical skills, gingival aes-
thetics remains as a critical factor in the
overall success of an implant-supported
restoration. If a restoration is acceptable
only in cases with a low lip line, the treat-
ment should be considered an aesthetic
failure (Figure 1). Factors such as insuffi-
cient bone structure, discrepancies between
natural root-form and implant design, and
improper implant position/angulation
Figure 1. Implant-supported ceramometal crown restoration of the maxillary left central
Dr. Hürzeler is Associate Professor, incisor. Note the unaesthetic periimplant tissue contour.
Department of Prosthodontics, Albert-
Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany,
contribute to the inability of the peri- 1. Prior to implant placement.
and Clinical Assistant Professor,
implant soft tissue to provide adequate 2. At implant placement or during
Department of Stomatology, Division of support.3 As a result, the soft tissue col- the healing phase of the implant.
Periodontics, Dental Branch, University lapses, revealing the implant-supported 3. At second-stage surgery.
of Texas-Houston Health Science substructure. Therefore, the appropriate 4. In the maintenance phase.
Center, Houston, Texas. time and surgical approach must be care-
fully selected for proper periimplant tissue The purpose of this article is to re-
Dr. Weng is an Assistant Professor, view these options by means of case pre-
management in order to maintain and
Department of Prosthodontics, Albert- sentations. The different surgical proce-
improve the gingival architecture.
Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany. dures are explained and their advantages
Furthermore, the position of the implant
and/or disadvantages discussed.
Address correspondence to: should be considered from a prosthetic
Markus B. Hürzeler, DMD, PhD and aesthetic perspective, since the pres- PERIIMPLANT TISSUE
Department of Prosthodontics ence or absence of bone should be of MANAGEMENT PRIOR TO
Albert-Ludwigs-University minor concern in the era of predictable IMPLANT PLACEMENT
Freiburg, Germany guided bone regeneration.3 In general, four When the tooth-to-be-replaced is still in
Tel: 011-49-761-270-4906 potential points in time can be differenti- its socket, the potential of successful
Fax: 011-49-761-270-4925 ated for soft and hard tissue management: periimplant tissue management is at its
Figure 7. Implant and bony ridge 6 months following surgery, immediately following • A subepithelial connective tissue was
removal of the barrier. New bone-like tissue is present. obtained from the palatal mucosa.
When tooth-to-be-replaced is
still in its socket, the potential of
successful periimplant tissue
management is at optimal height.
TISSUE MANAGEMENT AT
IMPLANT PLACEMENT OR
DURING HEALING PHASE
When teeth have been missing for
Figure 12. An additional implant was placed at tooth #10 and subepithelial connective longer periods of time, the existing
tissue was grafted over both implant sites and sutured with horizontal mattress ties.
bone structure either does or does not
allow implant placement. In the latter
case, bone augmentation procedures
have to be performed prior to implant
placement.13 However, whenever possi-
ble, an attempt should be made to place
the implant and augment the surgical
site simultaneously. Such combined
treatment reduces the number of sur-
geries, and the total healing period can
be reduced by 6 to 8 months.14 Due to
the inevitable bone loss on the buccal
aspect, measures have to be taken to re-
contour that site. In case of exposed im-
plant threads, guided bone regeneration
must be used to cover these areas.15 Due
to the defect morphology, a bone graft-
Figure 13. Facial view 3 months following implant placement revealed the missing tissue ing material, whether autogenous or
in the region of tooth #10. not, should be used to secure the space
PERIIMPLANT TISSUE
MANAGEMENT AT
SECOND-STAGE SURGERY
The second-stage surgery provides an ad-
ditional opportunity for periimplant tissue
Figure 20. Case 3. Presurgical appearance of the dentition. Note the color disharmony of
management. As in the previous cases, the maxillary right lateral incisor.
the focus should be on the buccal tissue
contour. The position of the mucogingi-
val junction also has to be evaluated, since
Aesthetic improvement of a
cemented or screwed-in implant
restoration is a difficult task
for the periodontist.
A color mismatch
is more apparent
to the untrained eye than a
difference in contours.