Effects of flapless implant surgery on soft tissue profiles: A prospective clinical study

Abstract

Background: Flapless implant surgery has been suggested as a suitable treatment modality for the preservation of soft tissue after implant placement. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of soft tissue profile changes around implants after flapless implant surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 patients received 76 implants using a flapless implant procedure. The marginal level of the peri-implant soft tissue was evaluated using dental casts 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months after implant placement. Results: The mean soft tissue levels around implants showed 0.7±0.3mm of coronal growth 1 week after surgery. At 1 month, the levels were 0.2±0.2mm coronal growth and at 4 months, the values were 0.0±0.3mm. Soft tissue profiles assessed 4 months after flapless implant placement were similar to profiles assessed immediately before implant placement. Conclusion: Flapless implant surgery is advantageous for preserving ucosal form surrounding dental implants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.