THE IMPORTANCE OF KERATINIZED MUCOSA IN LONG TERM MAINTENANCE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS AND PALATINAL ROTATIONAL PEDICULATED FLAP APPLICATION: CASE REPORT

The presence of adequate zone of keratinized gingiva is thought to be necessary for the maintenance of gingival health and prevention of periodontal disease progression. in teeth with subgingival restorations, narrow zone of keratinized mucosa is associated with higher chance of gingival inflammation. also, prevention of periimplant tissue infection and/or traumatic loss are inevitable for the long term success of dental implants. this case report describes the rehabilitation of the inadequate keratinized mucosa band determined after dental implants placement, by using palatinal rotational pediculated flep technique (prpf). mobile alveolar mucosa at the buccal side of two implants which were placed at posterior maxilla was observed in the healing period. mobile mucosa that surrounds periimplant area was managed with prpf technique after placement of gingiva formers. the keratinized mucosa has been obtained approximately 3 mm at buccal cervical region of implants after three weeks. in conclusion, the long term stability and maintenance of dental implants are directly related to amount of keratinized mucosa at periimplant area. all surgical interventions would rather be carried out before the implant placement or the prosthetic loading.