Exposure of implants using a modified multiple-flap transposition vestibuloplasty.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To introduce a minimally invasive operation to improve the condition of the soft tissues around the implants in an atrophied mandible, at the same time, as uncovering the implants. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A multiple-flap transposition vestibuloplasty was done in 11 patients after the insertion of four implants in the interforaminal region of an atrophied mandible. Improvement in soft tissues and successful exposure of implants and attached gingiva were evaluated during a follow-up period of 55 months. All the patients were operated on local anaesthesia as outpatients. RESULTS: Adequate exposure of implants and an area of attached gingiva 4-9 mm wide were attained. There was no bleeding on probing or local infection. CONCLUSION: The transposition multiple-flap vestibuloplasty is a simple and minimally invasive method of improving the condition of soft tissue after insertion of implants. It does not limit the patients' routine activities and avoids staged operations.