THE USE OF VESTIBULOPLASTY TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE THE IMPLANT SOFT TISSUE INTERFACE IN THE RESORBED ATROPHIC MANDIBLE

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness of vestibuloplasty technique to improve the condition of the soft tissues around the implants placed in the interforaminal region of atrophied mandible. material and methods: ten patients each had two implants inserted in the atrophied mandibles were included in the study. a split-thickness vestibular flap was reflected and apically sutured onto the periosteum. preexisting dentures relined with a tissue conditioner were used for a postsurgical stent. clinical evaluations were made before operation and during a follow-up period of 8 weeks to 1 year. clinical variables include presence of mucosal inflammation, bleeding on probing, width of attached gingiva attained, and success of exposure of abutments. results: adequate exposure of abutments and an area of attached gingiva 4–8 mm wide were attained in 8 weeks. there was no bleeding on probing or local infection. the patients complained of a little pain after the procedures. only mild to moderate edema was seen postoperatively. relapse was seen in 10-30 % postoperatively and increased over time. conclusion: this technique is a simple and minimally invasive method of improving the condition of soft tissue after insertion of implants. it does not limit the patient’s routine activities and so avoids soft tissue complications.