Use of CAD/CAM in Second-Stage Implant Surgery to Achieve Improved Final Restoration Esthetics, Natural Gingival Appearance.

To achieve a predictable esthetic outcome when using an implant-supported crown for rehabilitation of an edentulous space, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology can be utilized in the second stage of implant surgery to scan, mill, and restore the implant site all in one office visit. In this case report, an implant for a first molar was restored with a CAM-fabricated hybrid ceramic crown, designed using CEREC® 4.4 software. A 3-dimensional scan was taken chairside at the time of uncovering the implant using powder-free intraoral scanning. Specific design features were implemented to control peri-implant soft-tissue growth to meet the patient's esthetic expectations and achieve an outstanding clinical outcome. This report emphasizes the value of using a CAD/CAM-milled crown in achieving an emergence profile in second-stage surgery, describes a polymer-infiltrated-ceramic-network material as a potential biomaterial for implant restoration, and discusses the importance of taking a digital impression to capture details for improved restoration esthetics and longevity.