Flapless Implant Placement: A Case Report
Full-thickness periosteal flap elevation for implant placement is often accompanied by potential marginal bone loss and/or soft tissue recession around the implant due to compromised blood supply to underlying bone. To preserve the blood supply to underlying bone, implants can be placed with a flapless surgical procedure. This procedure also provides numerous other benefits, such as decreased trauma, short recovery time, less pain, reduced rate of infection, and improved patient compliance. This report presents a case of flapless implant placement in the mandibular posterior region that achieved optimum results and caused minimal discomfort to the patient. The advantages and limitations of this procedure are also discussed.
Figure 1. Preoperative intraoral photograph. Figure 2. (a) Preoperative orthopantomogram showing available bone above mental foramen; (b) Preoperative intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiograph. Figure 3. Photograph showing punch incision for implant placement. Figure 4. IOPA radiograph taken immediately after implant placement. Figure 5. Gingival cuff formed after 1week of implant placement. Figure 6. Photograph showing final prosthesis. Figure 7. IOPA radiograph taken 6 months after the procedure and showing no changes in crestal bone level.
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