Minimally invasive flapless approach in dental implant – A review

Abstract

Dental implants are surgically placed into or on top of the jawbone of the patients. They are considered to be an important contribution to dentistry as they have revolutionized the way by which missing teeth are replaced with a high success rate. Before dental implants, dentures and bridges were used, but dental implants have become a very popular solution due to the high success rate and predictability of the procedure, as well as its relatively few complications. A full thickness mucoperiosteal flap is used in a typical dental implant placement procedure to expose the alveolar ridge. Dental implants are then inserted in the bone, and the flaps are adapted using sutures. Over the past three decades there have been several alterations to this flap design, now integrating esthetic considerations in the critical esthetic zones of the dentition. Flapless implant surgery is one of these alterations that is quickly rising in popularity. This review will highlight about the techniques, advantages and disadvantages of flapless implant surgery over the traditional implant surgery.