Soft Tissue Management in Peri-Implant Regions

Aim:Methods to increase peri-implant mucosa thickness (PIMT) in cases of soft tissue deficiency are important to maintain peri-implant health and aesthetics. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ribose cross-linked thick collagen membrane (RCCM) compared to subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) in sites with soft tissue deficiency in the horizontal aspect around the implant. Materials and Methods:In our study, single implant sites in 20 systemically healthy patients were included. 10 patients were operated simultaneously with the implant operation and 10 patients were operated simultaneously with the implant operation. Before the operation, PIMT and peri-implant mucosa width (PIMW) were measured. Visual analog scale (VAS) and oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores were recorded on post operative days 1, 3 and 7. At 1 and 3 months, VAS and OHIP-14 measurements were repeated. Keywords:Connective tissue graft, Collagen membrane, Soft tissue, Peri-implant mucosa thickness, Peri-implant mucosa width.