Mandibular connective tissue pedicle flaps in implant dentistry: report of three cases

An increase in soft tissues and alveolar bone in the anterior mandibular area between the canines is necessary to achieve a good esthetic result. The present article describes a technique for gaining bone volume and soft tissue to cover bone defects that would otherwise compromise the final result of prosthetic implant restoration in the anterior mandible. Three patients with anterior mandibular atrophy caused by loss of the mandibular incisors are presented. Particulate autologous bone grafting, the raising of a pediculate connective tissue flap to increase soft tissue, and implant placement were carried out simultaneously. After 2 years of follow-up, the implants were in good clinical and radiologic condition. The problem of atrophy and the lack of soft tissue were thus solved, and an acceptable esthetic outcome was achieved in a single surgical intervention.