Effects of flapless implant surgery on soft tissue profiles: a prospective clinical study.
BACKGROUND
Flapless implant surgery has been suggested as a suitable treatment modality for the preservation of soft tissue after implant placement.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of soft tissue profile changes around implants after flapless implant surgery.


METHODS
A total of 44 patients received 76 implants using a flapless implant procedure. The marginal level of the peri-implant soft tissue was evaluated using dental casts 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months after implant placement.


RESULTS
The mean soft tissue levels around implants showed 0.7 ± 0.3 mm of coronal growth 1 week after surgery. At 1 month, the levels were 0.2 ± 0.2 mm coronal growth and at 4 months, the values were 0.0 ± 0.3 mm. Soft tissue profiles assessed 4 months after flapless implant placement were similar to profiles assessed immediately before implant placement.


CONCLUSIONS
Flapless implant surgery is advantageous for preserving mucosal form surrounding dental implants.
Lee
Du-Hyeong
DH
Department of Dentistry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.
Choi
Byung-Ho
BH
Jeong
Seung-Mi
SM
Xuan
Feng
F
Kim
Ha-Rang
HR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000145:classification; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D057893:Immediate Dental Implant Loading; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000145:classification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
D015921:Dental Implants