title: A preventive mucosal flap technique for use in implantology.
abstract: A flap technique designed for use in dental implantology is described. This technique creates a more homogeneous mucosa around the implants and reduces its thickness to prevent the introduction of deep mucosal pockets around the implants. The technique results in the preservation of a maximum of fixed mucosa and a shallow pocket next to the implant, which aids in optimizing oral hygiene and prognosis. The technique can be performed at the time of implant placement. The flap covers the implants completely and closes the wound primarily. This technique was compared to a conventional flap technique and was clinically found to give significantly better results.
authors.affiliation: Academic Center of Oral Implantology, Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, Dental School, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hertel
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Blijdorp
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005888:Gingival Pocket / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D014727:Vestibuloplasty / Q000379:methods*