Objectives: The present retrospective study assessed the width of keratinized mucosa (WKM) and vestibular depth (VD) adjacent to dental implants subsequent to vestibular extension procedure in patients exhibiting inadequate WKM. A correlation between these two parameters with peri-implant soft tissue stability and the incidence of peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence (PSTD) was also examined.
Method and materials: The study included 36 patients (age range 30 to 50 years) with implant restoration. The patients with an inadequate WKM and VD underwent vestibular extension procedure in areas of implant placement. The Modified Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, WKM, VD, and the peri-implant probing depth were measured and compared at baseline, 3 months, and after 1 and 2 years post vestibular extension procedure.
Results: A significant enhancement was observed in VD dimensions for both men and women from baseline (1.73 ± 1.10 mm and 1.57 ± 0.98 mm, respectively) to 2 years posttherapy (6.93 ± 0.88 mm and 7.95 ± 1.12 mm, respectively). Similarly, there was an increase in WKM of 4.14 ± 0.24 mm in men and 4.84 ± 0.14 mm in women. However, a weak and insignificant negative correlation was observed between WKM, VD, and PSTD after 2 years.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the vestibular extension procedures around dental implants enable the clinician to achieve greater WKM and VD posttherapy, which is maintainable for a considerable time. The peri-implant soft tissue stability achieved thereafter ensures proper oral hygiene at the site and also negatively correlates with the PSTD.