Applications of a modified palatal roll flap in peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation - A case series

Applications of a minimally invasive roll flap technique in peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation - A case series

Deficiency of peri-implant tissue contours is commonly seen due to the process of alveolar ridge resorption after tooth loss. Minor deficiencies can be effectively managed by soft-tissue augmentation procedures to create a more biomimetic tissue contour. The minimally invasive roll technique is a modification of the palatal roll-flap technique and can be carried out at both stages of implant surgery. In this technique, the crestal keratinized tissue is marked and de-epithelialized using a circular partial-thickness incision. The crestal connective tissue is then reflected using a lingual full-thickness semi-circular incision, keeping the buccal attachment intact. This buccal attachment serves as the pedicle. The crestal connective tissue is then rolled into a pouch on the buccal aspect of the ridge to obtain soft-tissue augmentation. The present case study documents the clinical results of the minimally invasive roll flap technique (MIRT) in three clinical scenarios, namely single-stage implant surgery, second-stage implant surgery, and anterior esthetic soft-tissue contouring. In all the cases, excellent soft-tissue contour and thickness has been obtained around dental implants. The MIRT is a simple and efficient technique for areas that require minor soft-tissue augmentation. The technique can be used both in the maxilla and the mandible and facilitates a suture-free surgery.

A double lateral pedicle graft technique for palatal recession coverage on dental implants

Rough surfaces of dental implants, when exposed to the oral environment, are conducive to biofilm colonization and can predispose the affected implant to periimplantitis. Recession coverage using soft-tissue grafts is one of the treatment modalities used for the treatment of exposed implant threads. Recession coverage on the palatal aspect of maxillary implants is difficult due to the firm nature of the palatal mucosa and, consequently has not been widely documented in the literature. This case report documents a novel double-pedicle technique for palatal recession coverage on a dental implant. Two pedicle grafts were obtained from either side of the implant with the mucosal recession: a full-thickness lateral-pedicle graft from the distal aspect and a subepithelial connective tissue pedicle from the mesial aspect. The connective tissue pedicle was stabilized first on the area of mucosal recession and was then covered with the distal full-thickness lateral pedicle. Complete recession coverage was obtained, and the result was observed to be clinically stable after 18 months of follow-up. The technique demonstrated in this report can be a useful tool for the treatment of localized palatal recessions on dental implants.

Buccally displaced flap versus sub-epithelial connective tissue graft for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background

This article describes a novel surgical technique, the buccally displaced flap, for keratinized mucosa (KM) augmentation during implant uncovering. Furthermore, it clinically compares this technique with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for peri-implant KM augmentation. Twelve weeks following implant placement, subjects were randomly divided for KM augmentation into group A (buccally displaced flap) and group B (SCTG). The width (WKM) and thickness (TKM) of the KM were assessed prior to the implant uncovering, 4 weeks and 1 year after implant loading. Post-operative pain assessment was performed using the Numeric Rating Scale.

Results

The study comprised of 20 implants that were uncovered in 20 subjects. For group A, the mean WKM increased from 0.98 (± 0.23 mm) to 3.01 mm (± 0.18 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.45 (± 0.13 mm) to 2.21 mm (± 0.16 mm) at 1 year. For group B, the mean WKM increased from 0.93 (± 0.18 mm) to 3.28 mm (± 0.13 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.41 (± 0.15 mm) to 2.25 mm (± 0.11 mm) at 1 year. Post-operative pain was significantly higher for group B 4.15 (± 1.35) as compared to group A 2.6 (± 1.22) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The buccally displaced flap increased the WKM and TKM during implant uncovering, with results comparable to SCTG. The main advantages of the technique were lack of sutures, maintenance of blood supply, reducing number of surgical sites, and it was relatively atraumatic with lesser post-operative pain.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registry—India CTRI/2019/09/021059. Date of registration—September 4, 2019, retrospectively registered.

Modified roll technique for soft tissue augmentation in prosthetic rehabilitation: A case report

There are various causes for residual alveolar ridge defects, most common being the collapse of the cortical plate during extraction. Localized defects of alveolar ridge affect prosthetic restoration due to poor emergence profile of the pontic. Various soft tissue augmentation procedures have been recommended for the correction of these defects. Abrams's roll technique has been widely used for soft tissue ridge augmentation in the maxillary anterior region where aesthetics is a prime concern. The original Abrams's roll technique has been modified and revisited by many authors to overcome the limitations. The present clinical case report discusses the modified roll technique as an option to treat alveolar ridge deformity. The current procedure resulted in expectable ridge augmentation, uneventful healing, and good aesthetic outcome. Hence this modified technique can be selected for the treatment of mild to moderate Seibert class I ridge defects in the aesthetic zone.