The Impact of 3D Implant Position on Emergence Profile Design

Jonathan Esquivel, DDS/Ramon Gomez Meda, DDS/Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD: Implant position and soft tissue thickness have a direct influence on implant abutment design. The goal is to place the implant in the optimal spatial position to maintain the adjacent bone and soft tissues. When the implant is not placed ideally, prosthetic variations to abutments and restorations must be made, which may limit the esthetic appearance of the final restoration or alter the biologic environment of the bone and tissues. This article illustrates and explains the effect of different implant positions on the emergence profile design in order to assist the clinician with treatment planning and selection in various clinical situations.