Use of a Combination Epithelized-Supepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for Closure and Soft Tissue Augmentation of an Extraction Site Following Ridge Preservation or Implant Placement: Description of a Technique

An esthetic implant-supported rehabilitation continues to be a major challenge in patients with a thin periodontium. Ridge preservation and immediate implant placement are intended to preserve the hard tissue volume and prevent preimplant bone loss following tooth extraction. Since these techniques are almost always combined with bone grafting, primary wound closure is indispensable. Therefore, a technique for reliable wound closure was developed. This technique employs a combined epithelized-subepithelial connective tissue graft, leaves the mucogingival line in its place, and has the added advantage of thickening the buccal soft tissue with the resultant local conversion of a thin marginal gingiva to a thick marginal gingiva.