Aesthetic flap design for correction of buccal fenestration defects
Steigmann, M.
Practical Procedures and Aesthetic Dentistry Ppad 20(8): 487-93; Quiz 494
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1534-6846 PMID: 18990901 Document Number: 616770
Flapless immediate implant surgery has been proposed as a means of reducing the surgical trauma to soft tissue and maintaining natural gingival anatomy. The aesthetic outcome in such cases may, however, be jeopardized when localized horizontal and vertical deficiencies occur. In order to correct such deficiencies, a novel flap design was developed that protected the soft tissue that had the most significant impact on the patient's appearance. This aesthetic buccal flap (ABF) was created coronally so that the supraosseous soft tissue remained undisturbed and allowed the use of guided bone regeneration techniques to correct apical dehiscences. The likelihood of obtaining an optimal aesthetic result was, therefore, enhanced.