Guided Peri-Implant Autogenous Soft-Tissue Grafting: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Periodontology
• Implant dentistry

Background:

• Insufficient keratinized tissue around dental implants can compromise long-term success.
• Free gingival grafting is a common procedure to augment keratinized tissue.
• Traditional grafting techniques may lack predictability and precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a proof-of-concept for guided free gingival grafting around dental implants.
• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a digitally planned grafting procedure.
• To assess the potential benefits of guided surgery in free gingival grafting.

Main Methods:

• Surgical planning utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography and digital scanning.
• Radiological identification of the greater palatine foramen and gutter for safety.
• Custom surgical guides designed for both donor and recipient sites.
• The donor site guide served as an incision guide and protective plate.

Main Results:

• The guided free gingival graft procedure was successfully performed without adverse events.
• A 1-year follow-up showed an average gain of 2.5 mm in keratinized tissue width.
• The technique demonstrated enhanced predictability and practitioner comfort.

Conclusions:

• Guided free gingival grafting offers a predictable and secure method for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation.
• This technique can improve outcomes for patients with insufficient keratinized tissue around posterior implants.
• Further clinical research is warranted to validate this protocol and assess long-term peri-implant health.