[Clinical study on utilizing free palatal mucosa flap in reconstructing peri-implant attached soft tissue].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results and clinical characteristics of free palatal mucosa flap in reconstructing peri-implant attached soft tissue.


METHODS
126 cases with partial edentulous or edentulous were undergone soft tissue reconstruction and implant treatment from July 1997 to June 2005. A total of 388 implants were placed. The mean follow-up period was over 13 months. Mucosa flaps were measured at the operation and compared the size changes one year after operation.


RESULTS
Necrosis occurred in 3 mucosa flaps out of 126 cases 10 days postoperatively. Mean shrinkage of mucosa flap was 56%(37%-70%). No loss of implant was found in the last follow-up and attached soft tissue width was over 3 mm in 371 implants. Eight implants were diagnosed as peri-implantitis (2.06%).


CONCLUSIONS
It is effective and predictable to reconstruct peri-implant attached soft tissue with free palatal mucosa flap.
Lin
Ye
Y
Department of Implant Dentistry, Peking University School & Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081,China. yorcklin@263.net
Qiu
Li-xin
LX
Hu
Xiu-lian
XL
Wang
Ying
Y
Li
Jian-hui
JH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane; D010159:Palate; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps
D015921:Dental Implants