Improved pontic/tissue relationships using porous coralline hydroxyapatite block

Porous coralline hydroxyapatite blocks were implanted in the anterior region of several patients to improve the pontic/ridge relationship for a fixed prosthesis, thereby improving esthetic appearance and oral hygiene performance. A beveled incision on the palate was used to displace the flap coronofacially without leaving an area of denuded bone or graft. Flap margins were sutured to the adjacent palatal tissues. At the 2 1/2- and 3-year postgrafting follow-up, the implant area was healthy and ridge contours have been maintained. The permanent fixed partial denture is functional, and radiographic evaluation indicates the continued presence of the porous coralline hydroxyapatite implant. Three-year results have been promising enough to warrant continuing the procedure in patients requiring localized ridge augmentation.