Hard- and soft-tissue augmentation around dental implant using ridge split and connective tissue graft for esthetic rehabilitation of atrophic anterior maxilla

Abstract

Esthetic rehabilitation of edentulous site with horizontal ridge deficiency presents as one of the most challenging situations in implant practice. With the increase in popularity of dental implants, augmentation of the alveolar ridge and soft tissue has also become a routine procedure in most of the cases. Although hard-tissue augmentation is performed by other specialists also, a periodontist needs to master the skills of soft-tissue management to deliver esthetic and functional results in implant-supported prostheses. This case report presents a single-staged ridge split approach using piezoelectric surgery with simultaneous implant placement followed by connective tissue grafting at second-stage surgery. Single-staged segmental ridge split technique not only reduces the total treatment duration but also the surgical morbidity for the patient. A subepithelial connective tissue graft is strongly advocated around implants as it is highly predictable while ensuring better esthetic results in terms of tissue color, texture, and long-term stability of the surrounding mucosa.