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Published on: October 18, 2021
Simultaneous placement of an interpositional free gingival graft with nonsubmerged implant placement
Joo-Yeon Sohn1, Jung-Chul Park1, Kyoo-Sung Cho1
1Department of Periodontology, Research Institute for Periodontal Regeneration, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
Purpose:
Various surgical techniques target achieving adequate keratinized tissue around dental implants; however, these techniques are usually performed before implant placement or upon the exposure of submerged implants. The aim of this case report is to describe a simultaneous placement of an interpositional free gingival graft (iFGG) with that of nonsubmerged implants in a patient lacking keratinized tissue and to assess the long-term outcome of this grafted gingiva.
Methods:
A wedge-shaped free gingnival graft (FGG), including an epithelium-connective tissue (E-C) portion and a connective-tissue-only (CT) portion, was harvested from the palate. The CT portion was inserted under the buccal flap, and the E-C portion was secured tightly around the implants and to the lingual flap.
Results:
At the 8-year follow-up, the gingival graft remained firmly attached and was well maintained, with no conspicuous shrinkage or reported discomfort during oral hygiene procedures. The use of an iFGG at a nonsubmerged implant placement minimizes the required number of surgical steps and patient discomfort while providing adequate buccal keratinized tissue.
Conclusions:
Therefore, the technique could be considered an alternative method in increasing the keratinized tissue for cases that have a minimal amount of keratinized tissue.
