Influence of the 3-D bone-to-implant relationship on esthetics

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2005 Apr;25(2):113-9.

Abstract

There are biologic limits of the soft tissue dimension around implants; therefore, the limiting factor for the esthetic result of implant therapy is the bone level at the implant site. Clinicians must focus on the 3-D bone-to-implant relationship to establish the basis for an ideal and harmonic soft tissue situation that is stable over a long period. In some situations, missing bone is a limiting factor for esthetics; in others, it is possible to regenerate new bone around implants. As a certain amount of bone resorption occurs around implants as soon as the implant is in contact with the oral environment, the distance between an implant and adjacent tooth, as well as the distance between two implants, is as important as the bone volume on the buccal side of the implant head and in the papillary area, especially for the long-term result. This article discusses the 3-D bone-to-implant relationship and its influence on soft tissue esthetics around implants.

MeSH terms

  • Alveolar Bone Loss / complications
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / etiology
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / prevention & control*
  • Dental Abutments
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous / methods*
  • Dental Implants* / adverse effects
  • Dental Implants, Single-Tooth / adverse effects
  • Dental Prosthesis Design
  • Esthetics, Dental*
  • Gingival Recession / etiology
  • Gingival Recession / prevention & control
  • Humans

Substances

  • Dental Implants