• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2016

Implant fixed prosthesis for the complete edentulous maxilla provides significant benefits in the aspects of functions and esthetics compared with the conventional denture. Implant supported fixed prosthesis are totally supported by implant, and thus stabilizes the prosthesis to the maximum degree as possible. Also, the improved retention and stability of fixed prosthesis enhance patients' psychological and psychosocial health. This clinical presentation describes a maxillary full arch implant-supported fixed prosthesis in complete maxillary edentulous patient who showed vertical and horizontal alveolar bone resorption in the anterior ridge. To rehabilitate the esthetics and proper lip support, the zirconia framework was fabricated and the pink porcelain was veneered to reproduce the natural gingival tissue. After 9 months of follow up, the restorations were maintained without complications and the patient was satisfied with the restoration both functionally and esthetically.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.30-45
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• 2001

In recent years, clinicians' and dentists' esthetic demands in dentistry have increased rapidly. The ultimate goal in modern restorative dentistry is to achieve "white" and "pink" esthetics in the esthetically important zones. Therefore, modern esthetic dentistry involves not only the restoration of lost teeth and their associated hard tissues, but increasingly the management and reconstruction of the encasing gingiva with adequate surgical techniques. Interdental space are filled by interdental papilla in the healthy gingiva, preventing plaque deposition and protecting periodontal tissue from infection. This also inhibits impaction of food remnants and whistling through the teeth during speech. These functional aspects are obviously important, but esthetic aspects are important as well. Complete and predictable restoration of lost interdental papillae remains one of the biggest challenges in periodontal reconstructive surgery. One of the most challenging and least predictable problems is the reconstruction of the lost interdental papilla. The interdental papilla, as a structure with minor blood supply, was left more or less untouched by clinicians. Most of the reconstructive techniques to rebuild lost interdental papillae focus on the maxillary anterior region, where esthetic defects appear interproximally as "black triangle". Causes for interdental tissue loss are, for example, commom periodontal diseases, tooth extraction, excessive surgical periodontal treatment, and localized progressive gingiva and periodontal diseases. If an interdental papilla is absent because of a diastema, orthodontic closure is the treatment of choice. "Creeping" papilla formation has been described by closing the interdental space and creating a contact area. In certain cases this formation can also be achieved with appropriate restorative techniques and alteration of the mesial contours of the adjacent teeth. The presence of an interdental papilla depends on the distance between the crest of bone and the interproximal contact point, allowing it to fill interdental spaces with soft tissue by altering the mesial contours of the adjacent teeth and positioning the contact point more apically. The interdental tissue can also be conditioned with the use of provisional crowns prior to the definitive restoration. If all other procedures are contraindicated or fail, prosthetic solutions have to be considered as the last possibility to rebuild lost interdental papillae. Interdental spaces can be filled using pink-colored resin or porcelain, and the use of a removable gingival mask might be the last opportunity to hide severe tissue defects.