Application of Free Gingiva Graft Around the Implant

• Published in: International dental journal Vol. 74; p. S288
• Main Authors: Üstündağ, Şifa Demirer, Taşliçukur, Gülsüm, Şahin, Beyza Nur, Toker, Afra Nur, Eminoğlu, Didem Özkal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2024
• ISSN: 0020-6539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.07.252

Inadequate keratinized gingiva around the implant can lead to poor oral hygiene, plaque accumulation, gingivitis, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and alveolar bone loss. It is important to protect the tissues around the implant. A systemically healthy, non-smoking 45-year-old female patient who received an implant 6 months ago, complained of bleeding around the implant number 33 and 35 and discomfort during brushing. Insufficient keratinized gingiva around the implant, bleeding on probing, shallow vestibular sulcus, mobile alveolar mucosa, bone loss in the buccal crest, and plaque accumulation on the implant were observed. In order to increase stability and the amount of keratinized gingiva around the previously applied implants the patient first underwent initial periodontal treatment and then free gingival treatment. Different surgical procedures are available to increase keratinized gingiva around implant restorations. Each technique has its own advantages and limitations. Today, many different surgical procedures are used to increase the attached gingiva around the implant, including free gingival grafts, connective tissue grafts, pedicled grafts, and apically shifted flaps. The most commonly used surgical method to increase the amount of attached gingiva is free gingival graft treatment. During the controls, it was observed that the patient's complaints decreased, her motivation increased, and the width of the keratinized gingiva adhering to the implants increased. It was concluded that in cases where an increase in keratinized gingiva around the implant is necessary, it can be effectively increased with the free gingival graft method.