Modified Tunnel Procedure to Facilitate Ridge Reconstruction of an Extraction Socket Associated with Buccal Dehiscence and Gingival Recession: A Case Report with a 6-year Follow-Up

Abstract

Introduction. Extraction sockets associated with buccal dehiscences and gingival recessions pose particular surgical and restorative challenges. In these cases, unassisted healing following flapless tooth extraction results in severe bone and soft tissue deformities and an aesthetic compromise. Root coverage procedures prior to ridge reconstruction may enable predictable alveolar augmentation. Case Presentation. This is the first case report describing the utilisation of modified tunnel procedure to facilitate ridge reconstruction consisting of ovate pontic and xenograft, of tooth #25 in a 38-year-old-male. The 6 months and 1-year reviews showed optimal soft tissue aesthetics, 100% root coverage of the tooth #25, and bone augmentation, which enabled placement of 10.0 mm×4.0 mm (3i) implant in a prosthetically driven position. The 6-year review continued to show favourable clinical outcomes. Conclusion. Compromised extraction sockets containing buccal dehiscence and associated with gingival recessions may benefit from soft tissue augmentation procedures to enhance the clinical outcome of ridge reconstruction.