Soft tissue management in oral implantology: a review of surgical techniques for shaping an esthetic and functional peri-implant soft tissue structure.

Along with osseointegration and restoration of function, the patient's subjective satisfaction with the esthetic result is a touchstone of the success of implant therapy. Although esthetic restoration of natural teeth can be achieved routinely through appropriate tooth preparation and a natural-looking design on the part of the dental laboratory, the road to success is much more complicated with implants, because of atrophy of bone and mucosa. Surgical techniques, paths of incision, and useful instruments for implant therapy are described, from implant placement to exposure. These methods help to provide durable, functional, and esthetic results.