title: Vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue flap: A modern approach to augment soft tissue.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nowadays esthetics plays an important role in dentistry along with function of the prosthesis. Various soft tissue augmentation procedures are available to correct the ridge defects in the anterior region. The newer technique, vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue (VIP-CT) flap has been introduced, which has the potential to augment predictable amount of tissue and has many benefits when compared to other techniques.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study was designed to determine the efficacy of the VIP-CT flap in augmenting the ridge defect.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients with Class III (Seibert's) ridge defects were treated with VIP-CT flap technique before fabricating fixed partial denture. Height and width of the ridge defects were measured before and after the procedure. Subsequent follow-up was done every 3 months for 1-year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Paired t-test was performed to detect the significance of the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surgical site healed uneventfully. The predictable amount of soft tissue augmentation had been achieved with the procedure. The increase in height and width of the ridge was statistically highly significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The VIP-CT flap technique was effective in augmenting the soft tissue in esthetic area that remained stable over a long period.
authors: Department of Periodontology, Jodhpur Dental College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
authors: Chitra
authors: C
authors: Agarwal
authors: Department of Periodontology, Jodhpur Dental College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
authors: Savita
authors: S
authors: Deora
authors: Department of Periodontology, Index Dental College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors: Dennis
authors: D
authors: Abraham
authors: Department of Periodontology, Maharaja Gangasingh Dental College and Research Centre, Sri Ganganagar, India.
authors: Rohini
authors: R
authors: Gaba
authors: Department of Periodontology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors: Baron Tarun
authors: BT
authors: Kumar
authors: Department of Periodontology, Jaipur Dental College General Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
authors: Praveen
authors: P
authors: Kudva
keywords: Alveolar ridge augmentation; alveolar ridge defect; connective tissue; vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue flap