Simultaneous hard and soft tissue augmentation for implant-supported single-tooth restorations.

Abstract

The replication of nature in the rehabilitation of a single missing anterior tooth is primarily a surgical challenge, as hard and soft tissue deficiencies compromise the achievement of functional and aesthetic implant-supported restorations. Bone defects can be treated using guided bone regeneration (GBR), with or without bone graft materials. The successful application of the GBR technique has been documented in several experimental and clinical studies; the primary challenge associated with single tooth replacement is the creation of an adequate soft tissue recipient site. However, the increased morbidity and prolonged healing period involved in performing hard and soft tissue grafting procedures in two consecutive appointments do not achieve patient expectations. The learning objective of this article is to master a single-tooth replacement technique that allows surgical treatment of bony and soft tissue deficiencies in a single procedure, during either an immediate or delayed implant placement.