Free gingival graft for the increase of peri-implant attached keratinized mucosa decreased after guided bone regeneration

Abstract

Purpose: During guided bone regeneration procedures for the augmentation of deficient alveolar ridge, primary closure of flap is necessary. For primary flap closure, flap is repositioned coronally and the zone of attached keratinized mucosa may decreased. The need for attached keratinized mucosa around dental implants is still controversial, but sufficient peri-implant attached keratinized mucosa would be beneficial for functional and esthetic aspects. This case report presents three cases that demonstrated free gingival graft for increasing the zone of peri-implant attached keratinized mucosa which was decreased after guided bone regeneration. Materials and Methods: In first case, maxillary incisors were extracted and guided bone regeneration was performed simultaneously. Because the membrane was exposed at 3 weeks after operation, the membrane was removed and free gingival graft was performed for primary flap closure. Free gingival graft was performed again at implant placement for the increase of attached keratinized mucosa. In second case, guided bone regeneration was performed on lower right first molar area, and implant was placed with free gingival graft. In third case, lower right molar area showed insufficient attached keratinized mucosa after implant placement with guided bone regeneration. When abutments were connected, free gingival graft with apically positioned flap was performed. Result: In these three cases, the zone of attached keratinized mucosa around dental implants was decreased after guided bone regeneration. And the increase of peri-implant attached keratinized mucosa could be obtained effectively by free gingival graft. Conclusion: Free gingival graft could be a effective treatment method increasing the zone of attached keratinized mucosa which was decreased after guided bone regeneration procedures. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2008;38:723-728)