The Palatal Subepithelial Connective Tissue FlapMethod for Soft Tissue Management to Cover Maxillary Defects: A Clinical Report

This article presents a technique for soft tissue reconstruction and covering defects associated with maxillary implant-supported restorations. A pedicle subepithelial connective tissue flap is prepared from the palatal mucosa near the area to be treated and is displaced into the receptor site. The donor site remains primarily covered. An increase in soft tissue volume is achieved at the receptor site, which is advantageous for various reasons. The pedicle graft has been used for different indications: closure of the alveolus after immediate implant placement, papilla reconstruction, defect and dehiscence repair, and multiple-layer closures after bone grafting and treatment of peri-implantitis. Over a 32-month period, 103 patients were treated with this method. Partial flap necrosis occurred in only 2 patients. All other patients showed significant improvement over the preoperative condition. Keywords: endosseous dental implantation, gingivoplasty, guided tissue regeneration, pedicle graft, surgical flaps