Nonsurgical management of interdental papillae loss following extraction of anterior teeth.

When a tooth is extracted, the interproximal papilla recedes and the buccal bone collapses; as a result, restoring an edentulous space in the esthetic zone becomes a challenge. Various surgical reconstructions can be performed with different levels of risk and predictability. This article examines three nonsurgical approaches utilized to manage the same problem. One option involves placing a temporary bridge with an ovate pontic at the time of extraction to support the proximal papillae, the facial soft tissue, and the healing gingival tissue. If some time has passed since the extraction, the soft tissue can be sculpted with radiosurgery (or a laser) before an ovate pontic is used. In some instances, tissue-colored porcelain may help to achieve optimal esthetics.