Treatment Planning for Implants in the Aesthetic Zone: Biological, Functional, and Aesthetic Considerations

Proper interdisciplinary treatment planning is the cornerstone of implant treatment in the aesthetic zone. It requires diligent and thoughtful consideration of surgical, prosthetic, and technical aspects of the care to be provided. Though some cases will present similar challenges, no two are identical. Patients will be best served when the clinicians and technicians involved on the case understand the challenges faced by the other team members. Additionally, depending on the severity of the defect, patient expectations may need to be tempered to accept the clinical realities of their case. The “team approach” is key here. Each member should know and be able to predict what the others are going to be doing during their treatment stage. Often an immediate load approach will be attempted in the aesthetic zone. This requires high-level coordination, collaboration, and communication.