MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH EXCESSIVE GINGIVAL DISPLAY FOR MAXILLARY COMPLETE ARCH FIXED IMPLANT-SUPPORTED PROSTHESES

Maxillary complete arch fixed implant-supported prostheses are a popular treatment option for edentulous patients. Excessive gingival display or gummy smile in edentulous patients is relatively uncommon. However, many partially edentulous patients or completely dentate patients with compromised dentition and excessive gingival display may seek a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Some of these patients may be candidates for immediate implant placement and insertion of the prosthesis, while others may carry over their preexisting excessive gingival display to the edentulous state for a variable period of time. Both types of patients require meticulous treatment planning and often require additional preprosthetic interventions before the placement of dental implants. This report provides an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning, and options for management of patients with excessive gingival display who seek a maxillary complete arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis. (J Prosthet Dent 2012;108:324-331)