Recent focus has shifted toward refining the soft tissue emergence profile to enhance aesthetics, support peri-implant health, and ensure long-term success. Traditionally, titanium stock healing abutments or chairside-customized abutments were used to shape peri-implant tissues and develop the emergence profile for implant-supported prostheses. However, advancements in digital dentistry now allow for more precise customization and increased treatment efficiency. This case report introduces a novel approach to shape the peri-implant tissues using a 3D-printed emergence profile former retained by a titanium stock healing abutment. The 3D-printed emergence profile former reduced chairside time and simplified registering the gingival tissue contours and implant position with an intraoral scanner. Following removal, the peri-implant soft tissues displayed enhanced volume buccally, creating an aesthetically pleasing restoration in a site with a notable horizontal tissue deficiency.
Keywords: 3D printing; CAD‐CAM; customization; dental implants; soft tissues.
© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Prosthodontics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Prosthodontists.