An insight into flapless implant placement technique

Abstract

Routine surgical procedure for the placement of dental implants involves the reflection of a mucoperiosteal flap, thereby exposing vital and viable bone to the external environment. This practice of reflection of flap has evolved from periodontal and surgical procedures involving treatment of osseous defects and fractures, treatment of tumors, removal of impacted tooth, or fragments or other pathologies. Many authors have consistently reported resorption of the bone following flap reflection. Therefore, when the highly successful treatment modality of replacement of tooth with a biocompatible dental implant-supported prosthesis is to be planned, maximum attention should be focused on minimizing the trauma to the supporting bone and surrounding soft tissues. This article reviews one approach of implant placement with this requirement in mind, i.e. the placement of implants without the elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap, or so called flapless implant surgery.