Prosthetic gingival reconstruction in the fixed partial restoration. Part 2: diagnosis and treatment planning.

This second article in a three-part series on the use of artificial gingiva in fixed partial restorations focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning. Often, traditional treatment of complicated situations can result in a definitive restoration that is less than esthetic. With appropriate planning that incorporates thorough clinical examinations, three-dimensional imaging, diagnostic wax-ups, and consideration of patient expectations, a modified approach to ridge augmentation, implant placement, and prosthetic reconstruction can lead to an ideal restoration that incorporates artificial gingiva.