The Trouser Technique: A Novel Approach for Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Peri-implant mucosa is crucial for implant health and aesthetics.
• Soft tissue deficiencies can lead to complications like peri-implantitis and affect patient satisfaction.
• Peri-implant plastic surgery addresses these aesthetic and functional concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the trouser-shaped connective tissue graft technique for enhancing peri-implant tissue volume.
• To assess the effectiveness and morbidity of this surgical technique.
• To improve vestibular and interproximal peri-implant tissue volume in a single procedure.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients requiring soft tissue augmentation before delayed implant placement were selected.
• Intraoral scanning was used to measure tissue thickness gain.
• The trouser-shaped connective tissue graft technique was applied.

Main Results:

• Significant soft tissue volume gain was observed at coronal (mean 2.74 mm) and vestibular (mean 2.79 mm) levels.
• The technique demonstrated low morbidity with minimal complications and patient discomfort.
• Statistical analysis showed significant improvements (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The trouser-shaped connective tissue graft technique effectively increases peri-implant soft tissue volume.
• It allows for simultaneous vestibular and interproximal augmentation, minimizing tissue contraction and morbidity.
• This technique presents a predictable, minimally invasive option for managing peri-implant soft tissue deficiencies, especially in aesthetic zones.