Simplified Rolled Technique at Implant‐Uncovering Surgery for Correcting Horizontal Ridge Defect

Abstract

Introduction: Ridge deficiencies are major esthetic challenges for the rehabilitation of edentulous ridges with fixed prostheses. Depending on the severity of the defect, it may be corrected through either hard‐ and soft‐tissue augmentation or soft‐tissue augmentation alone. The second‐stage surgery for implant uncovering offers an opportunity to surgically correct remaining ridge defects. This case presents an alternative approach to correct a facial soft‐tissue deficiency at the implant‐uncovering surgery.Case Presentation: A 34‐year‐old white female with high esthetic expectations was seen for extraction of tooth #9. Five months after extraction, an implant was placed with simultaneous bone augmentation. Six months later, a mild horizontal ridge deficiency was observed. It was subsequently corrected at the time of implant uncovering using a simplified roll technique, featuring minimal surgical trauma and patient discomfort. The implant restoration, peri‐implant bone, and soft tissue were stable after 6 months of functional loading.Conclusion: Mild ridge deficiencies in the esthetic zone can be corrected through the use of a simplified roll technique during implant uncovering.