Aslıhan ÖZTÜRK, Mustafa Barış GÜNCÜ
Clinical Dentistry and Research - 2026;50(2):199-204
Preservation of peri-implant soft tissue contours is critical for achieving esthetic outcomes in implant-supported restorations in the anterior region. Transferring the emergence profile shaped with a provisional restoration to the definitive prosthesis remains challenging in digital workflow. In this case, peri-implant soft tissue shaping for an implant-supported restoration in the maxillary left central incisor region, and after soft tissue maturation, digital records were obtained using an intraoral scanner and transmitted to the dental laboratory. First, with the screw-retained provisional restoration in place, the maxillary and mandibular arches, as well as the interocclusal relationship, were scanned. Second, after removal of the screw-retained provisional restoration, the peri-implant soft tissue was scanned to record the emergence profile, followed by scanning with an implant scan body. Third, the provisional restoration was scanned while screwed onto an implant analog. For shade selection, photographs were taken using a smartphone with a gray card and a shade guide. The acquired images were calibrated for white balance using a photo editing software and then forwarded to the dental laboratory. All digital datasets were aligned within dental design software, and a monolithic zirconia restoration with a buccal cutback was designed. The zirconia restoration was fabricated according to the principles of the 'Esthetic Biological Contour Concept'. The surfaces contacting the peri-implant soft tissues were polished, and the final restoration was delivered to the patient. This workflow simplified the clinical procedures, minimized soft tissue distortion, and facilitated a predictable transfer of the emergence profile.
