Incisive Vessel-Based Palatal Flap for the Reconstruction of Anterior Maxillary Soft Tissues

After tooth loss, alveolar bone resorption occurs and causes soft tissue collapse. In the anterior maxilla, this situation becomes a great challenge. Bone volume must be reestablished to allow for proper implant placement. Another challenge is achieving primary closure and improving soft tissue esthetics. Nine patients who were partially edentulous in the anterior maxilla and received 10 palatal incisive vessel-based connective tissue flaps were included in this study. Primary closure was successfully achieved in four patients who received simultaneous onlay block grafting in the surgical area. Total treatment time was shortened as an added benefit, since a secondary procedure for soft tissue augmentation was not necessary. In two patients with improper implant angulation, this technique resulted in improved esthetics.