Custom stent fabrication for free gingival grafts around osseointegrated abutment fixtures

The Branemark system of osseointegrated dental implants offers a viable treatment alternative for patients whose conventional prostheses have not been successful. However, the unkeratinized, loosely attached nature of the oral mucosa through which the fixtures may pass often presents a region of easy trauma. A free gingival graft of keratinized tissue from the hard palate can be substituted for these tissues. The success of the graft is dependent upon early healing and protection of the recipient site. This protection can be accomplished by fabrication and use of a custom acrylic resin tissue stent extended beyond the borders of the surgical site.