Sculpting Soft Tissue with Diode Laser: A Prerequisite for Implant Success- A Case Report
Abstract
Introduction: Inadequate vestibular depth and insufficient attached gingiva can hinder plaque control and compromise long-term implant success. This case demonstrates the use of diode laser-assisted vestibuloplasty to optimize soft tissue conditions prior to implant placement.
Case Presentation: A 44-year-old male presented with missing mandibular anterior teeth and reported difficulty maintaining oral hygiene. Clinical examination revealed mucosal scarring and shallow vestibule due to previous faulty suturing, along with inadequate attached gingiva. Diode laser- assisted vestibuloplasty was planned to enhance soft tissue dimensions. Management & Outcome: A horizontal laser incision at the mucogingival junction was performed without suturing. Healing was uneventful, and vestibular depth increased from 2 mm to 5 mm within 14 days. Following complete soft tissue healing, three dental implants were placed, and final prosthetic rehabilitation was completed after three months, restoring optimal function and aesthetics.Conclusion: Diode laser-assisted vestibuloplasty is an effective, minimally invasive technique to improve soft tissue architecture, enabling successful implant placement and long-term peri-implant health.
Downloads
References
Camargo PM, Melnick P, Kenney EB. The use of free gingival grafts for aesthetic purposes. Periodontol 2000. 2001;27:72-96.
Hämmerle CH, Araujo MG, Simion M, Osteology Consensus G . Evidence‐based knowledge on the biology and treatment of extraction sockets. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 5):80‐82.
Avila‐Ortiz G, Elangovan S, Kramer KW, Blanchette D, Dawson DV. Effect of alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. J Dent Res. 2014;93:950‐958.
Jung RE, Ioannidis A, Hammerle CHF, Thoma DS. Alveolar ridge preservation in the esthetic zone. Periodontol 2000. 2018;77(1):165–175.
Araujo MG, Silva CO, Misawa M, Sukekava F. Alveolar socket healing: what can we learn? Periodontol 2000. 2015;68(1):122–134.
Thoma DS, Buranawat B, Hammerle CH, Held U, Jung RE. Efficacy of soft tissue augmentation around dental implants and in partially edentulous areas: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2014;41(Suppl 15):S77‐91.
Carranza FA, Carraro JJ. Mucogingival techniques in periodontal surgery. JPeriodontol. 1970;41(5):294 99.
Singal V, Arora R, Sharma A. Free gingival graft-A versatile treatment modality. IPInt J PeriodontolImplantol. 2021;2(3):87-90.
Amid R, Mahdi K, Hemmatzadeh S, Refoua S, Iranparvar P, Shahi A, et al. Using diode laser for soft tissue incision of oral cavity. J Lasers Med Sci. 2012;3:36–43.
Moghtader D. Up-to-date vestibuloplasty at the age of implant dentistry. Laser. 2012;3:30–35.
Brito C, Tenenbaum HC, Wong BK, Schmitt C, Nogueira‐Filho G. Is keratinized mucosa indispensable to maintain peri‐implant health? A systematic review of the literature. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2014;102:643‐650.
Souza AB, Tormena M, Matarazzo F, Araujo MG. The influence of peri‐implant keratinized mucosa on brushing discomfort and peri‐implant tissue health. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2016;27:650‐655.
Roccuzzo M, Grasso G, Dalmasso P. Keratinized mucosa around implants in partially edentulous posterior mandible: 10‐year results of a prospective comparative study. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2016;27:491‐496.
Kalakonda, Butchibabu et al. “Evaluation of Patient Perceptions After Vestibuloplasty Procedure: A Comparison of Diode Laser and Scalpel Techniques.” Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR vol. 10,5 (2016).
