Mucogingival pouch flap for sandwich bone augmentation: technique and rationale

This article introduces a novel flap design, mucogingival pouch flap (MPF), to enhance the clinical outcome of sandwich bone augmentation. MPF uses a pouch flap reflection via mucogingival junction extension incisions to provide an improved graft retention, minimized membrane exposure, preserved papilla dimension, and soft tissue camouflage for improved esthetics. There are 4 implant-associated buccal dehiscence defects in 3 patients treated with sandwich bone augmentation technique in conjunction with MPF. All cases yielded an adequate new bone thickness of 1.5-3.5 mm as well as a height of 84% to 100% at 6 months. Rationales, indications, contraindications, advantages, and disadvantages for MPF designs are further discussed.