Soft tissue management around dental implant in esthetic zone - the current concepts and novel techniques.

It has been said, 'Bone sets the tone, but tissue is the issue.' In the field of implantology, while significant breakthroughs have been achieved in hard tissue regeneration, clinicians find it more challenging to handle soft tissue complications around dental implants. Successfully managing soft tissue around dental implants requires clinicians to have comprehensive knowledge of proper implant placement, prosthetic design and tissue management, and a high level of surgical skills for soft tissue augmentation and grafting. Autogenous gingival grafts can be utilized in various clinical situations, providing surgeons with great potential and freedom to enhance the quality and quantity of peri-implant soft tissue. Emerging trends, such as digital tools for treatment planning, minimally invasive surgical approaches, and innovative biomaterials, can also contribute to a more pleasing outcome. By elucidating these multifaceted considerations, this review will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians aiming to achieve functional and aesthetic excellence in implant-based oral rehabilitation.

Double vertical interrupted suture for optimal adaptation and stabilization of free gingival graft around dental implants: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Free gingival graft is commonly used to augment the keratinized mucosa and vestibular depth around dental implants. The proper suturing technique is fundamental to achieve a successful result following free gingival graft. However, there are limited studies that focus on the details of the suturing methods to optimize graft adaptation. The purpose of this technical note is to describe a new suturing technique for optimal approximation and stabilization of free gingival graft around dental implants. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a 53-year-old Persian female with peri-implantitis and lack of keratinized mucosa around mandibular implants who was a candidate for free gingival graft. A new suturing technique, double vertical interrupted suture, was conducted in the interimplant areas. In addition, the suspensory cross-mattress sutures were added to ensure the adaptation of the graft over the implants. The proposed suturing technique is useful for soft tissue augmentation around multiple implants with concave or uneven recipient bed. CONCLUSION: The present article describes a novel suturing technique for good adaptation and fixation of free gingival graft around dental implants.

The expanded mesh free gingival graft: A novel approach to increase the width of keratinized mucosa.

BACKGROUND: The importance of an adequate amount of peri-implant keratinized tissue and attached mucosa has recently been emphasized. This manuscript presents preliminary findings of a novel approach for increasing the width of keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants using a mesh free gingival graft (mesh-FGG). METHODS: Two healthy adults were treated as part of this study. After implant placement, a large edentulous alveolar ridge with shallow vestibule and minimal amount of KM was treated in both subjects (one in the posterior mandible and the other in the anterior mandible) with the combination of an apically positioned flap and a mesh-FGG. Clinical, esthetic and patient-reported outcomes were observed at approximately 4-month time points. RESULTS: All sites healed uneventfully after the treatments. In both cases, increased vestibule depth, soft-tissue thickness, and width of peri-implant KM were obtained. The patients did not report any accessory discomfort. Four months following the grafting procedure, good overall esthetic outcome was observed with minimal color disparity and graft demarcation. CONCLUSIONS: Width of KM around dental implants can be increased using a mesh-FGG. Randomized controlled clinical studies comparing mesh-FGG to conventional FGG and other commonly applied techniques are required to assess the long-term efficacy of this novel technique in terms of soft-tissue thickness, width of peri-implant KM, and patient-reported outcomes. KEY POINTS: Principal Findings: Meshed-FGG allowed an expansion of the length of the harvested graft. This results in coverage of large recipient sites, increase in height of KM and good aesthetic integration of the graft.

Autogenous grafts for reconstruction arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Autogenous methods for reconstruction arthroplasty (RA) for the surgical management of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been extensively reported. The present review was aimed to systematically review and pool data on clinical outcomes of autogenous grafts for RA in subjects with TMJ ankylosis. Major electronic databases and prominent subject-specific journals were searched up to December 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCT), cohort studies, and retrospective studies reporting outcomes of autogenous grafts for RA in TMJ ankylosis were included. A total of 35 studies with 700 subjects was included. The most commonly employed grafts were costochondral grafts (CCG) and coronoid process grafts. Postoperative change in maximum incisor opening (MIO) was comparable amongst all grafts and was in the clinically acceptable range (27.21-31.38 mm). The recurrence rate was comparable for all grafts and was ≈ 8% except for coronoid grafts, where the recurrence rate was 2.98%. Growth assessment for CCG revealed that 55.89%, 30.89%, and 13.24% of subjects depicted optimal growth, overgrowth, and undergrowth, respectively. Within the limitations of the present review, the recurrence rate for all grafts was comparable except for coronoid graft, which depicted least recurrence rate and resultant postoperative change in MIO was in the clinically acceptable range.

Importance of keratinized mucosa around dental implants: Consensus report of group 1 of the DGI/SEPA/Osteology Workshop.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the literature on (i) the relevance of the presence of a minimum dimension of keratinized peri-implant mucosa (KPIM) to maintain the health and stability of peri-implant tissues, and; (ii) the surgical interventions and grafting materials used for augmenting the dimensions of the KPIM when there is a minimal amount or absence of it. MATERIAL & METHODS: Two systematic reviews complemented by expert opinion from workshop group participants served as the basis of the consensus statements, implications for clinical practice and future research, and were approved in plenary session by all workshop participants. RESULTS: Thirty-four consensus statements, eight implications for clinical practice, and 13 implications for future research were discussed and agreed upon. There is no consistent data on the incidence of peri-implant mucositis relative to the presence or absence of KPIM. However, reduced KPIM width is associated with increased biofilm accumulation, soft-tissue inflammation, greater patient discomfort, mucosal recession, marginal bone loss and an increased prevalence of peri-implantitis. Free gingival autogenous grafts were considered the standard of care surgical intervention to effectively increase the width of KPIM. However, substitutes of xenogeneic origin may be an alternative to autogenous tissues, since similar results when compared to connective tissue grafts were reported. CONCLUSION: Presence of a minimum width of KPIM should be assessed routinely in patients with implant supported restorations, and when associated with pathological changes in the peri-implant mucosa, its dimensions may be surgically increased using autogenous grafts or soft-tissue substitutes with evidence of proven efficacy.

Patient-reported outcome measures following soft-tissue grafting at implant sites: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To review the available literature on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following soft tissue augmentation at implant sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic and manual search was performed to identify clinical studies that involved soft tissue augmentation around dental implants and reported PROMs, including post-operative morbidity, painkillers intake, quality of life, aesthetics and satisfactions. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were included in the qualitative analysis. Autogenous grafts (free gingival graft and connective tissue graft), acellular dermal matrix and xenogeneic collagen matrix were utilized, either with a bilaminar- or an apically positioned flap approach. PROMs reported in the literature included perceived hardship of the procedure and pain during the surgery, post-operative morbidity, painkillers intake, number of days with discomfort, satisfaction, aesthetic evaluation, quality of life and willingness to undergo the treatment again. Most of the included studies showed similar PROMs between autogenous grafts and substitutes, in terms of post-operative morbidity, painkillers intake, quality of life, aesthetic assessment and satisfaction. Nevertheless, a trend towards lower post-operative discomfort was observed for graft substitutes. High scores for patient satisfaction and aesthetic evaluation were observed in all the interventions compared to non-grafted sites. CONCLUSIONS: PROMs represent a crucial endpoint of clinical studies evaluating the outcomes of soft tissue grafts at implant sites. Most of the studies did not find significant differences in terms of patient morbidity and painkillers between autogenous grafts and substitutes. Soft tissue grafting can enhance patient satisfaction and aesthetic evaluation compared to non-grafted sites.

Tubed Temporalis Fascia for Nasal Dorsal Contouring: A Novel Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal dorsum irregularities may occur after nasal trauma or as a postrhinoplasty complication. Here, we present a novel technique using temporalis fascia (TF) grafting for primary and revision rhinoplasty to repair the nasal dorsum, hide nasal irregularities, and improve nasal contouring. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2019 and evaluated nasal dorsal contouring using the TF in a tubed form. The outcome variables were patient satisfaction, dorsal irregularity, and contour definition. The predictor variable was the use of tubed TF for dorsal augmentation. Other associated variables were age, sex, indication for surgery, surgery type, and graft size. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation questionnaire. A rhinoplasty specialist other than the surgeon who performed the procedure evaluated the dorsal augmentation outcomes by inspection and palpation of the dorsum. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (21.6% men and 78.4% women) were treated with the tubed TF. The mean age was 28.97 years. Thin skin was the most common indication (48.6%) for using TF. The graft size was 2-5 cm; inspection and palpation revealed no irregularities. No reception site complications occurred. One patient had a mild hematoma at the donor site. The mean patient satisfaction score was 10.14 preoperatively and 19.95 postoperatively (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Our novel technique of using the TF graft in a tubed form was easy to perform. Furthermore, the tubed TF covers all irregularities, is good for dorsal augmentation, and improves dorsal contouring and definition.

Peri-implant soft tissue phenotype modification and its impact on peri-implant health: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The peri-implant soft tissue phenotype (PSP) encompasses the keratinized mucosa width (KMW), mucosal thickness (MT), and supracrestal tissue height (STH). Numerous approaches to augment soft tissue volume around endosseous dental implants have been investigated. To what extent PSP modification is beneficial for peri-implant health has been subject of debate in the field of implant dentistry. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the evidence regarding the efficacy of soft tissue augmentation procedures aimed at modifying the PSP and their impact on peri-implant health. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed to identify clinical studies that involved soft tissue augmentation around dental implants and reported findings on KMW, MT, and/or STH changes. The effect of the intervention on peri-implant health was also assessed. Selected articles were classified based on the general type of surgical approach to increase PSP, either bilaminar or an apically positioned flap (APF) technique. A network meta-analysis including only randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on PSP outcomes was conducted to assess and compare different techniques. RESULTS: A total of 52 articles were included in the qualitative analysis, and 23 RCTs were included as part of the network meta-analysis. Sixteen RCTs reported the outcomes of PSP modification therapy with bilaminar techniques, whereas 7 involved the use of APF. The analysis showed that bilaminar techniques in combination with soft tissue grafts (connective tissue graft [CTG], collagen matrix [CM], and acellular dermal matrix [ADM]) resulted in a significant increase in MT compared to non-augmented sites. In particular, CTG and ADM were associated with higher MT gain as compared to CM and non-augmented sites. However, no significant differences in KMW were observed across different bilaminar techniques. PSP modification via a bilaminar approach utilizing either CTG or CM showed beneficial effects on marginal bone level stability. APF-based approaches in combination with free gingival graft (FGG), CTG, CM, or ADM showed a significant KMW gain compared to non-augmented sites. However, compared to APF alone, only FGG exhibited a significantly higher KMW gain. APF with any evaluated soft tissue graft was associated with with reduction of probing depth, soft tissue dehiscence and plaque index compared to non-augmented sites compared to non-augmented sites. The evidence regarding the effect of PSP modification via APF-based approaches on peri-implant marginal bone loss or preservation is inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Bilaminar approach involving CTG or ADM obtained the highest amount of MT gain, whereas APF in combination with FGG was the most effective technique for increasing KMW. KMW augmentation via APF was associated with a significant reduction in probing depth, soft tissue dehiscence and plaque index, regardless of the soft tissue grafting material employed, whereas bilaminar techniques with CTG or CM showed beneficial effects on marginal bone level stability.

Patient experience of autogenous soft tissue grafting has an implication for future treatment: A 10- to 15-year cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes have received a great deal of interest in periodontal plastic procedures. However, their evaluation has mainly been short-term. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of soft tissue grafting procedures conducted over a decade ago on the willingness of a patients to undergo the surgery again. METHODS: Subjects that received an autogenous soft tissue graft over 10 years ago were screened and invited for a survey. Their response was only analyzed if they were able to correctly identify the sites of the surgical procedures. Dichotomous questions and visual analogue scales (VASs) were used to assess self-reported pain, willingness to retreat and satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included in the analyses. Higher pain was reported for mandibular sites, and treated areas including ≥ 3 teeth (P < 0.01). Willingness to retreatment was 84.6% and it was negatively associated with self-reported pain measures, the arch location (mandible), and number of treated sites (≥3 teeth) (P < 0.01). Mean satisfaction rate was 86.9 ± 13.65 (VAS) and showed a positive correlation with willingness to retreat (P < 0.01). Having a complete root coverage at the recall visit was also significantly associated with higher patient satisfaction scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patient experience of previous autogenous soft tissue grafting has an influence on their decision to undergo future treatment. Willingness to retreat was negatively affected by mandibular sites, larger treated areas and the perceived pain, while presenting with complete root coverage was significantly associated with patient satisfaction.

Autogenous soft tissue grafting for periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgical reconstruction.

This state-of-the-art review presents the latest evidence and the current status of autogenous soft tissue grafting for soft tissue augmentation and recession coverage at teeth and dental implant sites. The indications and predictability of the free gingival graft and connective tissue graft (CTG) techniques are highlighted, together with their expected clinical and esthetic outcomes. CTGs can be harvested from the maxillary tuberosity or from palate with different approaches that can have an impact on graft quality and patient morbidity. The influence of CTGs on soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width are also discussed.

Reconstruction of Large Calvarial Defects Using Titanium Mesh Versus Autologous Split Thickness Calvarial Bone Grafts: A Comprehensive Comparative Evaluation of the Two Major Cranioplasty Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Both alloplastic 3-D dynamic titanium mesh implants and Autogenous split calvarial cortico-cancellous bone grafts have been extensively used for cranial defect reconstruction. Whether either method is procedurally, cosmetically or therapeutically superior to the other, has rarely been studied or evaluated. AIM: The aim of the study was to objectively examine, assess, evaluate and compare the procedural ease, convenience, safety and versatility of cranioplasty performed using titanium mesh implants versus split calvarial grafts and to compare the intra- and post-operative complications encountered, and the cosmetic and therapeutic outcomes achieved using these two cranioplasty techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 40 patients with large post-craniectomy defects, who underwent cranioplasty between 2012 and 2016. Twenty patients underwent cranioplasty with titanium mesh implants and 20 with split calvarial cortico-cancellous bone grafts. Post-operative follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years and the patients were observed (clinically as well as by means of radiographs and CT scans) for cosmetic, functional and neurological improvements. RESULTS: Titanium mesh cranioplasty afforded more benefits, such as a shorter operating time, ease in manipulation, absence of donor-site morbidity, usefulness in previously infected or compromised recipient sites, absence of the risk of graft resorption or rejection, and a ready means to aspirate any post-operative epidural collection through its mesh structure. It also compared favorably when the cranial defects were large, owing to its, so to speak, limitless supply viz a viz, the relative paucity of harvestable split calvarial bone autograft. CONCLUSION: Both modalities have their pros and cons. Split calvarial grafting is the more physiologic and less expensive option, useful for small- to medium-sized defects, while titanium mesh is the safer, more versatile, reliable and often preferred option, particularly when the cranial defects are large and also in severe head injury patients in whom harvesting calvarial bone could further compromise the already traumatized calvarium with possible stress fractures, further endangering its vital contents.

Basic Principles of Bioengineering and Regeneration.

In a quest to provide best-quality treatment, results, and long-term prognosis, physicians must be well versed in emerging sciences and discoveries to more favorably provide suitable options to patients. Bioengineering and regeneration have rapidly developed, and with them, the options afforded to surgeons are ever-expanding. Grafting techniques can be modified according to evolving knowledge. The basic principles of bioengineering are discussed in this article to provide a solid foundation for favorable treatment and a comprehensive understanding of the reasons why each particular treatment available can be the most adequate for each particular case.

Osteonecrosis of the knee - which joint preservation procedures work?

There is no consensus with respect to the best procedures to preserve the knee joint in patients with osteonecrosis of the knee. We performed a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2012. Only 10 of 1057 studies met our inclusion criteria. Core decompression prevented additional surgical treatment in pre-collapse knees with a failure rate of 10.4% (7 of 67 knees). Autogenous and osteochondral grafts decreased the need for additional surgery in both pre-collapse (0%, 20 of 20) and post-collapse knees (10.5%, 8 of 76 knees). Although these results are quite promising multi-center randomized trials are needed to identify the optimal procedures to treat this disease.

Autogenous Reconstructive Modalities of TMJ Ankylosis-A Retrospective Analysis of 45 Cases.

The study reports the authors' experience in managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in Chennai, India (1995-2006) and compares the surgical modalities used. Forty-five patients (67 joints) were reviewed in this retrospective study. Pre- and post-operative assessment included history, radiological, physical examination, and range of mouth opening. Age, gender, aetiology, joint(s) affected, surgical modality, complications and follow-up periods were evaluated. Various types (fibrous, fibroosseous and bony) of TMJ ankylosis were diagnosed. Trauma was the commonest aetiology. The patients' age range was 2-50 years, 51.1 % were males and the follow-up period ranged from 14 to 96 months. Average mouth opening was significantly increased to 32 mm 12 months post-operatively. Mouth opening was compared following different interpositional materials like temporalis interpositioning (33 mm), costochondral graft (30.6 mm) and autograft (30 mm). Minor and major complications were encountered in 37.4 % of cases, including 6.7 % recurrence rate. Early release of TMJ ankylosis; reconstruction of the ramus height with distraction osteogenesis or bone grafting combined with interpositional arthroplasty, followed by vigorous physiotherapy is a successful strategy for the management of TMJ ankylosis.

Comparing alveolar bone regeneration using Bio-Oss and autogenous bone grafts in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Bone regeneration grafts (BRG) are widely used in the treatment of osseous defects and oral surgery. The various techniques and associated success rates of bone augmentation require evaluation by systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible studies. The aim of this systematic review was to compare alveolar bone regeneration in humans using Bio-Oss and autogenous bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computerized bibliographical databases including Pubmed, Google, ScienceDirect and Cochrane were searched for randomized and cohort studies in which autogenous grafts were compared to Bio-Oss in the treatment of periodontal defects. The inclusion criteria were human studies in English that were published 1998-2009. Exclusion criteria included non randomized observation and cohort studies, papers which provided summary statistics without the variance estimates, and studies that did not use BRG intervention alone, were excluded. The screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were collected by two observers independently. For comparing autogenous grafts used alone against Bio-Oss used alone 5 situations were investigated. Thirteen studies were included in the review which compared autogenous against Bio-Oss, autogenous combined with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) against GTR, Bio-Oss combined with GTR versus GTR, autogenous alone versus Open Flap Debridement (OFD), Bio-Oss versus OFD. In meta-analysis, changes in bone level (bone fill) was used as the measure. Data were analyzed using Bayesian meta-analysis by WinBUGS and Boa software. RESULTS: Only one comparison demonstrated that the difference in bone augmentation between Bio-Oss and OFD was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to show that Bio-Oss is superior to autogenous grafts in bone augmentation techniques however autogenous bone involves donor site surgery and thus donor site morbidity, so we can conclude that Bio-Oss is better than autogenous for alveolar regeneration. [Iranian Endodontic Journal 2009;4(4):125-30].