Microstructured dental implants and palatal mucosal grafts in cleft patients: a retrospective analysis.
BACKGROUND
In cleft patients, implant dentistry has become an integral part of oral rehabilitation. However, a lack of keratinized mucosa is found in many cases which may have adverse effects on the long-term success of dental implants with microstructured surfaces. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether mucogingival surgery is of value in the treatment of these patients.


METHODS
Between 1991 and 2002, a total of 35 microstructured dental implants were inserted in 32 cleft patients. In 18 patients, vestibular scars extended to the rim of the marginal mucosa of the implants and the gingiva of the adjacent teeth. To enhance the soft tissue condition, mucogingival surgery was performed using palatal mucosal grafts.


METHODS
In May 2002, 29 implants and 16 mucosal grafts were evaluated. Assessment included radiological and clinical parameters.


RESULTS
Three implants were lost. Most mucosal grafts showed shrinkage of up to 30%. Clinical and radiological parameters, however, showed results that were very similar to those from non-cleft patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the hypothesis that keratinized mucosal grafts show long-term success in the cleft region as well. Moreover, it may be concluded that a combination of dental implants with a rough surface and palatal mucosal grafts can be recommended for oral rehabilitation of cleft patients.
Deppe
Herbert
H
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technical University Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany. herbert.deppe@mkg.med.tum.de
Horch
Hans-Henning
HH
Kolk
Andreas
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000002:abnormalities*; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D000543:Alveoloplasty; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000637:transplantation*; D021362:Palate, Hard; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014727:Vestibuloplasty
D015921:Dental Implants