Immediate placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants: a surgical and prosthodontic rationale.

Maintaining the existing gingival architecture of a failing maxillary anterior tooth is essential in achieving an optimal aesthetic result. Immediate implant placement has been advocated to minimize tissue loss following extraction. The incorporation of a customized temporary abutment and immediate fixed provisionalization facilitates maintenance of the gingival architecture for optimal aesthetics and eliminates the need for a removable provisional prosthesis during the healing phase. This article describes the surgical and prosthodontic approach of this procedure as well as its clinical rationale.