Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation – A Perio-Prostho Interdisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Introduction: Aesthetics play a major role in the favorable outcome of any dental-related treatment. It provides patient satisfaction, boosts dentist’ confidence and achieves a long-term favorable therapeutic prognosis. These results cannot be achieved single-handedly but through a combination of interdisciplinary skills and approaches of various fields of dentistry. A tooth loss is often accompanied by a deformity of the alveolar ridge leading to a compromised esthetic and functional outcome. Therefore, various grafting procedures could be considered for the reformation and reconstruction of the deficient alveolar ridges. This case report discusses an approach for correction of a Siebert’s class III alveolar ridge defect in the anterior mandibular region prior to the placement of fixed partial denture in order to establish better esthetic and functional outcome. Case Report: A 42-year-old male patient reported to the Outpatient Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, at D.Y. Patil School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai with a chief complaint of missing lower front teeth since 6 months. The edentulous space appeared asymptomatic and normal. The medical history obtained was non-contributory. The missing tooth was 41. Conclusion: Localized alveolar ridge defects may create physiological and pathological problems. Correction of a localized ridge defect with soft tissue augmentation is a promising therapeutic measure in a fixed prosthodontic therapy. It not only improves the mucogingival aesthetics of the pontic region, especially in the anterior segments of maxilla/mandible but also prevents further phonetic & functional problems.