A comparison of labial and crestal incisions for the 1-stage placement of IMZ implants: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the crestal incision with the labial flap design when inserting a 2-stage implant system in a nonsubmerged manner.


METHODS
Ten consecutive edentulous patients with a severely resorbed mandible (Cawood Class V to VI) that resulted in reduced stability and insufficient retention of the lower denture were included. In all patients, 2 IMZ implants were inserted in a 1-stage procedure in the mandibular canine regions as part of an implant overdenture treatment. In 5 patients, the labial flap approach was used, and a crestal incision approach was used in the other 5 patients. Standardized evaluations were performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after implant placement and 12 months after placement of the new prosthesis.


RESULTS
In the first postoperative weeks, more hyperplasia occurred around the implants inserted by the crestal incision than the labial flap. However, after 1 year of function, no striking differences between the 2 groups were present with regard to the clinical and radiographic parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
From this pilot study, it was concluded that both the crestal incision and the labial flap approach are reliable procedures for insertion of IMZ implants in a 1-stage procedure. However, because of the smaller risk of soft tissue overgrowth, there is a preference for the labial flap approach.
Heydenrijk
K
K
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. k.heydenrijk@kchir.azg.nl
Raghoebar
G M
GM
Batenburg
R H
RH
Stegenga
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000601:surgery; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D010865:Pilot Projects