Exposure of implants using a modified multiple-flap transposition vestibuloplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a minimally invasive operation to improve the condition of the soft tissues around the implants in an atrophied mandible, at the same time, as uncovering the implants.


METHODS
A multiple-flap transposition vestibuloplasty was done in 11 patients after the insertion of four implants in the interforaminal region of an atrophied mandible. Improvement in soft tissues and successful exposure of implants and attached gingiva were evaluated during a follow-up period of 55 months. All the patients were operated on local anaesthesia as outpatients.


RESULTS
Adequate exposure of implants and an area of attached gingiva 4-9 mm wide were attained. There was no bleeding on probing or local infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The transposition multiple-flap vestibuloplasty is a simple and minimally invasive method of improving the condition of soft tissue after insertion of implants. It does not limit the patients' routine activities and avoids staged operations.
Hakim
S G
SG
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. samer.hakim@mkg-chir.mu-luebeck.de
Driemel
O
O
Jacobsen
H C
HC
Hermes
D
D
Sieg
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001284:Atrophy; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010521:Periosteum / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014727:Vestibuloplasty / Q000379:methods*
D015921:Dental Implants