A combined peri-implant plastic surgery approach for implants in the esthetic zone using a novel technique: A series of 10 cases

Objective: In this study, 12-month follow-up clinical results of a combined peri-implant plastic surgery approach for hard and soft tissue augmentation in implant rehabilitation in the esthetic zone are presented. Method and Materials: Ten individuals who required extraction due to severe periodontal destruction in the maxillary and mandibular area were included in the study. Implant surgery was performed in the same session as the combined peri-implant plastic surgeries, which involved guided bone regeneration and free periosteal grafts. Prosthetic treatment was administered in the sixth month following the surgeries. Results: Hard and soft tissue augmentation with sufficient keratinized mucosa width (≥ 2 mm) was achieved with the combined surgical approaches. Pleasing esthetic results were obtained by careful positioning of the implants. Conclusions: In implant rehabilitation, in cases where there are insufficient hard and soft tissues in the esthetic zone, a combined peri-implant plastic surgery approach not only enables the ideal implant position where both function and esthetics are ensured but also provides effective protection of peri-implant tissue health. Keywords: dental implants, esthetic zone, free periostal graft, guided bone regeneration, peri-implant plastic surgery technique