Optimizing Hard and Soft Tissue Grafting Techniques and Timing in the Posterior Maxilla Aiming for Effectiveness and Reduction of Treatment Time. Case Report

This case report shows how to reduce the overall treatment time of a three-dimensional ridge defect that required dental implants and soft tissue management to only 6 months. It highlights the utilization of pure autogenous bone including the sinus lift to shorten the re-entry time to just three months, and the subsequent soft tissue grafting during implant placement to avoid a third surgery. The patient presented with a horizontal and vertical hard tissue defect along with sinus pneumatization. After the bone augmentation, the soft tissue thickness was inadequate for implant placement, and the mucogingival line distorted due to flap advancement. Understanding the available hard tissue grafting techniques and biomaterials is essential for a correct treatment planning. Incorporating soft tissue management protocols into implant placement surgeries will reduce the number of surgeries and overall treatment time.