Summary

Thorough diagnosis and treatment planning are necessary to develop the optimal transmucosal contours of an implant restoration. The contour of the soft tissues may be either preserved at the time of tooth extraction or subsequently reconstructed using a provisional restoration/custom healing abutment. Depending on the thickness of the soft tissues, implant position, and timing of placement, the transmucosal region of the provisional restoration/custom healing abutment may require different shapes. Provisionalisation/placement of a custom healing abutment is a crtical step to help achieve optimal implant esthetics and soft tissue contours in a final restoration. Careful attention to the key steps in the fabrication and development of provisionals and/or custom healing abutments can optimize implant success and patient satisfaction.