Esthetic provisional replacement of a single anterior tooth during the implant healing phase: A clinical report

Replacement of a missing anterior tooth with an implant-assisted restoration rather than a fixed partial denture is considered common practice. Implant placement with a 2-stage surgical approach in the anterior area of the mouth may be imperative and require an esthetic provisional replacement for the missing tooth during the healing phase. This provisional restoration should help optimize the health of hard and soft tissues around the implant without exerting pressure on the residual ridge and maintain the position of the adjacent and opposing teeth. This clinical report presents a technique for fabricating an anterior fixed provisional restoration with composite reinforced with a leno-woven polyethylene ribbon. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:598-602.)