A double lateral pedicle graft technique for palatal recession coverage on dental implants

Abstract

Rough surfaces of dental implants, when exposed to the oral environment, are conducive to biofilm colonization and can predispose the affected implant to periimplantitis. Recession coverage using soft-tissue grafts is one of the treatment modalities used for the treatment of exposed implant threads. Recession coverage on the palatal aspect of maxillary implants is difficult due to the firm nature of the palatal mucosa and, consequently has not been widely documented in the literature. This case report documents a novel double-pedicle technique for palatal recession coverage on a dental implant. Two pedicle grafts were obtained from either side of the implant with the mucosal recession: a full-thickness lateral-pedicle graft from the distal aspect and a subepithelial connective tissue pedicle from the mesial aspect. The connective tissue pedicle was stabilized first on the area of mucosal recession and was then covered with the distal full-thickness lateral pedicle. Complete recession coverage was obtained, and the result was observed to be clinically stable after 18 months of follow-up. The technique demonstrated in this report can be a useful tool for the treatment of localized palatal recessions on dental implants.