In a recent Just Ask session on the EAO YouTube channel, Dr. Mirela Feraru shared her expertise on the restorative tissue interface in the aesthetic zone, providing valuable insights into the art and science of achieving harmonious dental restorations. Dr. Feraru, an expert in perio-prosthetics and aesthetic dentistry, detailed the challenges and techniques involved in ensuring both the soft tissues (gum) and the restorations (such as crowns and implants) integrate naturally.
The discussion began with Dr. Feraru defining aesthetic restorations, emphasizing that the goal is to create a natural appearance, blending the artificial (e.g., crowns, veneers) with the natural gum tissues. In the aesthetic zone, every detail counts, as the restoration must mimic the surrounding tissues, not just in color but also in texture and shape. A key concept Dr. Feraru highlighted is the importance of cervical contouring and its effect on both soft tissue and restoration designs. Properly positioning restoration margins and shaping the soft tissue can dramatically influence the final aesthetic outcome.
One of the critical techniques discussed was soft tissue grafting, particularly using connective tissue grafts. Dr. Feraru explained how this method can enhance the volume and contour of the gum tissue around implants or missing teeth, ensuring that the restoration appears to emerge naturally from the gums. She also covered the various types of grafts, stressing the importance of choosing the right material based on the clinical scenario—whether it's a root coverage procedure or an implant site.
Additionally, Dr. Feraru explored how implant positioning and the design of the restoration affect tissue health and aesthetics. She discussed how the prosthetic components, particularly the abutments, should be designed to minimize soft tissue pressure while maximizing volume and contour, which can be adjusted in the laboratory to ensure an optimal outcome.
The session concluded with Dr. Feraru stressing the increasing demands from patients for not just functional but highly aesthetic results, especially in the anterior regions where visibility is paramount. She reinforced the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical skill with prosthetic expertise, to achieve natural-looking restorations in the aesthetic zone.
For dental professionals, this session highlighted how understanding the interdependence between soft tissues and restorations can lead to more predictable, aesthetically pleasing results, providing patients with a beautiful, natural smile that integrates seamlessly with their existing dental features.