BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, there have been relatively few changes in implant designs. Most systems are manufactured from commercially pure titanium with turned threads, are sprayed with plasma, are coated with hydroxyapatite, or have an oxide surface. The majority of dental implants have not been designed for differing bone morphologies. Today patients have high esthetic demands that require modifications of implant designs to fulfill their expectations. PURPOSE: This article evaluates the problems encountered when trying to achieve an optimum esthetic outcome with dental implants. Implants and abutment designs, biologic width, ridge anatomy, and timing of implant placement all affect esthetic results. Each of these factors is discussed and is related to the introduction of a new scalloped implant design. The purpose of the scalloped design is to keep or create interdental bony peaks that support the soft tissue, thereby maintaining or creating interimplant papillae. METHODS: Clinical documentation of patients treated with the scalloped implant is presented. The esthetic outcome can be determined by comparing clinical documentation prior to and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The scalloped implant provides clinicians and patients with the option of improving esthetic outcomes. Placement and restoration of this implant are important when planning implant treatment in the esthetic zone.
BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, there have been relatively few changes in implant designs. Most systems are manufactured from commercially pure titanium with turned threads, are sprayed with plasma, are coated with hydroxyapatite, or have an oxide surface. The majority of dental implants have not been designed for differing bone morphologies. Today patients have high esthetic demands that require modifications of implant designs to fulfill their expectations. PURPOSE: This article evaluates the problems encountered when trying to achieve an optimum esthetic outcome with dental implants. Implants and abutment designs, biologic width, ridge anatomy, and timing of implant placement all affect esthetic results. Each of these factors is discussed and is related to the introduction of a new scalloped implant design. The purpose of the scalloped design is to keep or create interdental bony peaks that support the soft tissue, thereby maintaining or creating interimplant papillae. METHODS: Clinical documentation of patients treated with the scalloped implant is presented. The esthetic outcome can be determined by comparing clinical documentation prior to and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The scalloped implant provides clinicians and patients with the option of improving esthetic outcomes. Placement and restoration of this implant are important when planning implant treatment in the esthetic zone.