Aesthetic ridge and extraction site augmentation for anterior implant placement without barrier membrane

Augmentation of the alveolar ridge to facilitate implant placement in a single tooth extraction site or a completely edentulous arch is currently a well-accepted and routinely performed therapeutic procedure. This article describes a method for augmenting extraction sites and ridges, without primary closure or the use of barrier membranes over bone grafts. The technique retains or enhances gingival architecture while creating bone for placement of an implant in the most optimal position. The tooth is extracted, demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft or another augmentation material of choice is placed, and a provisional mucoadhesion partial denture is delivered. When the implant is uncovered and the healing abutment is placed, a flap design is utilized to create papillae and proper labial contour. The learning objective is familiarity with this technique, which is particularly useful for maxillary anterior implant placement. A case report is used to document the clinical procedure.