Pages 452-458, Language: EnglishHertel, Ruud C. / Blijdorp, Peter A. / Baker, David L.A flap technique designed for use in dental implantology is described. This technique creates a more homogeneous mucosa around the implants and reduces its thickness to prevent the introduction of deep mucosal pockets around the implants. The technique results in the preservation of a maximum of fixed mucosa and a shallow pocket next to the implant, which aids in optimizing oral hygiene and prognosis. The technique can be performed at the time of implant placement. The flap covers the implants completely and closes the wound primarily. This technique was compared to a conventional flap technique and was clinically found to give significantly better results.
Keywords: dental implants, surgical flaps, vestibuloplasty