Connective tissue graft to improve aesthetic peri-implant area: modified clinical technique.

Abstract

This article reports a clinical case with a 4-years follow-up in which sub epithelial connective tissue graft harvested by two different technique was used to recuperate the aesthetic conditions of the two-previous implanted anterior areas which presented soft tissue fenestration and osseous dehiscence promoted by dental extraction. The highly compromised areas were treated using sub epithelial connective tissue grafts which due the necessity of the quantity and quality were harvested by using two different surgical techniques: dental wedge and free gingival graft. After 4-years of follow-up the goal of treatment was fully reached. The gingival soft tissue around perimplantar area is stable and seems to be normal. The two techniques applied to harvest sub epithelial connective tissue in this case were essential to obtain a large amount of tissue to be grafted. Quality and quantity of the sub epithelial graft are critical conditions to maintain stability during the early phase of healing process, allowing and improving initial revascularization.