title: Pre-augmentation soft tissue expansion: an overview.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the development of soft tissue expanders, their different types and their potential applications prior to bone augmentation and implant placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of pertinent literature was performed using PubMed to comprehend the dynamics of soft tissue expanders and determine the current position of their pre-augmentation applications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is promising, albeit preliminary information regarding the benefits of pre-augmentation soft tissue expansion. Findings cannot be generalised due to relatively small sample size.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed before soft tissue expanders can be confidently applied in everyday clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Polyclinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Farah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Asa'ad
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Polyclinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rasperini
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Polyclinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pagni
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Hector F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Rios
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Polyclinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Aldo B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Giannì
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015626:Tissue Expansion; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices
keywords: guided bone regeneration; soft tissue expanders; soft tissue expansion; soft tissue management