Use of Buccal Fat Pad in the Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucosal Defect: A Case Report

• Published in: The Journal of oral implantology Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 128 - 132
• Main Authors: Nascimento, Rodrigo Dias, Gonçalves, Tamires Stella, Cardoso, Paula Elaine, de Moraes, Michelle Bianchi, Raldi, Fernando Vagner
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Allen Press Inc 01.04.2020
• Subjects: Adipose Tissue; Alveolar Ridge Augmentation; Case reports; Connective tissue; Connective tissues; Defects; Dental Implants; Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; Dentistry; Dentures; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Mucosa; Mucous Membrane; Rehabilitation; Skin & tissue grafts; Surgery; Teeth; Transplants & implants; Brazil; fat pad; dental esthetics; dental implant; periodontal atrophy
• ISSN: 0160-6972; 1548-1336
• DOI: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-19-00212

The present study describes a clinical case in which the buccal fat pad (BFP) was used to improve the contour of the peri-implant mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of such an application in the literature. A 58-year-old woman presented with teeth #2 and #3 missing and an indication for extraction of tooth #4. After clinical examination and CBCT analysis, immediate implants were placed in the region of the extracted tooth and that of tooth #2 for prosthetic rehabilitation using a three-unit fixed partial denture. There was an extensive mucosal defect in the region of tooth #3, with vertical and horizontal changes in the contour of the mucosa. As an alternative to the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft, we opted for displacement of the BFP and its accommodation on the alveolar ridge of tooth #3 to improve the buccal tissue contour. After 5 years of follow-up, satisfactory gain and maintenance of mucosal volume were observed in the treated area, as well as improvement of buccal tissue contour. The use of BFP seems to be a feasible alternative for filling and treating peri-implant mucosal defects.