A MINIMALLY INVASIVE 2ND-STAGE PROCEDURE FOR SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANTS

The natural look of dental restorations has become a universally claim ed treatment objective, especially when single-tooth gaps are restored with implants. A harmonious gingival margin is crucial to achieve thi s goal. This article presents a new procedure for exposure of single-t ooth implants that yields a favorable esthetic result in the visible m axillary regions because of the simple type of incision used. The proc edure consists of two incisions: the first incision makes it possible to find out the implant position and the second incision shapes the mu cous membrane according to local supply. The second incision also prev ents the soft tissue from tearing after careful stretching and subsequ ent pressing of the supraimplant mucosa. There is minimal soft tissue traumatization, and as a result, healing time can be reduced to 1 week and an appealing esthetic result can be reached.