Scientific study

Microdentistry: Comparison of minimally-invasive roll-in envelope flap technique to holding suture technique in implant surgery

14 April 2023 · 20 min read

Author Behnam Shakibaie DDS, MS Specialized Clinic in Microscopic Dentistry, Tehran, Iran

Author Hamoun Sabri DMD, PgC Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan Dental School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Periodontal and Implant Microsurgery Academy (PiMA), University of Michigan Dental School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Author Marcus B. Blatz DMD, PhD Chairman Department of Preventive and Restorative Science, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Author Shayan Barootchi DMD, MS Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan Dental School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Summary

Original Title

Comparison of the minimally-invasive roll-in envelope flap technique to the holding suture technique in implant surgery: A prospective case series

Source

Behnam Shakibaie DDS, MS, Hamoun Sabri DMD, PgC, Marcus B. Blatz DMD, PhD, Shayan Barootchi DMD, MS. Comparison of the minimally-invasive roll-in envelope flap technique to the holding suture technique in implant surgery: A prospective case series. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 28 February 2023

Comparison of the minimally-invasive roll-in envelope flap technique to the holding suture technique in implant surgery: A prospective case series - ResearchGate

Objective

The peri-implant soft tissue phenotype plays a role in the long-term success of dental implants, thus, creating the need for the application of different techniques for the management of its adjacent soft tissues. The aim of this case series was to describe and evaluate the clinical outcomes of the microsurgical roll-in-envelope flap (RIE) approach, in comparison with a more commonly used method for manipulation of the peri-implant soft tissues, namely the holding-suture flap (HS) technique.

Materials and Methods

10 posterior dental implants in 10 healthy individuals were selected and randomly assigned treatment by each of the mentioned groups relative to the flap design. Mucosal thickness was measured at the time of the surgery and at 6 and 12 weeks, serving as the main outcome.

Results

The healing was uneventful at all sites without any patient drop-outs. The comparison of two groups revealed a three-fold reduction in the mucosal thickness in HS group compared to RIE.

Conclusions

In presence of sufficient periimplant supporting tissues and when indicated, the RIE flap seems to yield superior outcomes reducing pain/discomfort compared to connective tissue grafts.