The effect of connective tissue grafting on peri-implant tissue volume in immediate implant placement

: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, Oral Implantology is one of the most important areas in Dentistry, which provides a wide choice of treatments for patients who are totally or partially edentulous. However, the use of immediate implants in the anterior or esthetic area is still a High risk, given the unpredictability of changes in the peri-implant tissues, such as bone tissue in which esthetic complications may occur due to gingival contour and architecture modification. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of a connective tissue graft on the volume of peri-implant tissues when placing an immediate implant at the maxillary esthetic area. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out, selecting articles with publication date until 15 April 2021, through the computer platforms MEDLINE/Pubmed, Sciencedirect and Cochrane Data base. The keywords “immediate implant”, “immediate implant placement”, “immediate implantation”, “dental implants”, “connective tissue graft” and “soft tissue graft” were used, together with the boolean operators AND and OR. The studies were analyzed and evaluated respecting the previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 6 articles were selected, which included several parameters and variables. A higher Pink Esthetic Score (PES) value was evidenced in the test group compared to the control group, obtaining a value of 9.4±1,4 e 8.91±1,6, respectively. In terms of marginal bone loss (MBL), there was a greater loss in the test group, which was -0.055±0,35mm, than in the control group, which was -0.04±0,36mm. Conclusion: Connective tissue grafting during the placement of immediate maxillary implants can be a viable option to maintain the contour of the periimplant soft tissue, obtaining an acceptable aesthetic result. In terms of marginal bone loss, the connective tissue graft insertion does not result in any advantage.

Date of Award	30 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Tiago Borges (Supervisor) & Bruno Almeida (Co-Supervisor)