Stage-two implant surgery in the esthetic zone: a new technique

The esthetic outcome of implant-supported restorations has become increasingly important, especially for single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone. Because of the morphologic alterations that occur following tooth extraction, augmentation procedures are often necessary before, during, or after implantation to achieve an esthetically pleasing result. This article describes a modified technique for augmenting the soft tissue during stage-two implant surgery. The technique uses a modified roll flap, in combination with a tunneling approach to the adjacent teeth and a coronally positioned palatal sliding flap, to achieve sufficient horizontal dimensions and a scarless and harmonious architecture of the peri-implant soft tissue.