Vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue flap in implant dentistry

Abstract

Background: Due to the morphologic alteration, that occur following tooth extraction, augmentation procedures are often necessary. In the upper jaw, submucosa of palate can be used for soft-tissue reconstruction in implant dentistry. Materials and Methods: Thirty eight VIP-CT flaps in 37 patients were used for small maxillary reconstruction. In 97.3% of events, unilateral VIP-CT flap for each patient was used. Complications occur in this study include of flap necrosis in one case (2.7%), palatal sloughing in twenty four cases (63%) and donor site deformity in one patient (2.7%) respectively. Results: Patients, that VIP-CT flap was used for preparation of the mouth before implant insertion or during and after dental fixture insertion to preventing esthetic or functional problems, were selected. Indications, extension of palatal incision, donor site morbidity in the form of mucosal sloughing as well as deformity were reported. Sloughing of mucosa was evaluated at 1st week and palate was checked for deformity at 2 month after operation. The flap survival or necrosis was recorded. Conclusion: VIP-CT flap is a reliable source of soft-tissue for replacement of mucosa in the maxilla for implant dentistry.