Dental Implants Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Dental Implants, including details on dentistry, surgery, tooth implants.

Management of inter-dental/inter-implant papilla.

Zetu L, Wang HL

Department of Peridontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this paper are to review and compare existing techniques for creation of interdental/interimplant papillae, to address factors that may influence its appearance and to present an approach that authors developed that could help clinicians to manage and recreate the interproximal papillae. METHODS: Papers related to interdental and interimplant papillae published over the last 30 years were selected and analyzed. RESULTS: Thorough treatment planning is essential for maintenance of the height of the interproximal papillae following tooth removal. The key for achieving an esthetically pleasing outcome is the clinicians' ability of properly managing/creating interdental/interimplant papillae. Bone support is the foundation for any soft tissue existence, techniques such as socket augmentation, orthodontic extrusion, guided bone regeneration, onlay graft and distraction osteogenesis are often used for this purpose. Soft tissue grafts as well as esthetic mimic restorations can also be used to enhance the esthetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: An esthetic triangle is developed to address the foundations that are essential for maintaining/creating papilla. These include adequate bone volume, proper soft tissue thickness as well as esthetic appearing restorations.

Published 21 June 2005 in J Clin Periodontol, 32(7): 831-9.
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