[From an immediate implant placement in the post-extraction phase towards immediate loading application: current status].

The fresh extraction socket site in the immediate post-extraction phase possesses unique characteristic wound healing cascade. Marked horizontal and vertical resorption of the edentulous ridge occurred shortly following tooth extraction. In periodontally involved teeth, when partial/full socket wall destruction is evident, the ingrowth of connective tissue into the extraction site is unavoidable leading to a deficient ridge. The use of bone substitute materials aiming to preserve the alveolar ridge by stabilizing the blood clot, thus maintaining the volume of the site and at the same time serves as an osteoconductive scaffold which facilitates continual bone formation. immediate Implant placement, is also a reliable, predictable, and successful procedure. Comparative studies regarding immediate implant placement vs. delayed placement (healed sites) reported similar high survival rate for both procedures. The addition of nonfunctional immediate provisionalization (clearance of all contacts in centric occlusion and during eccentric movements to avoid full functional loading of the implant during healing) achieving an instant aesthetic solution, has been shown to have predictable results. However, a meticulous surgical protocol should be followed. In recent years, an immediate functional loading of cross-arch splinted implants proved to be a reliable and successful approach. Moreover evidence-based data comparing immediate, early and delayed loading failed to show significant difference between those treatment modalities. Apparently, primary stability of implants is an important factor in achieving predictable success. It seems that the addition of controlled loading did not impair those results. A systematic review of the current literature related to this procedure showed a survival rate of over 95% in 34 prospective/retrospective studies. Since clinical parameters were proved to be equal whether implants were placed immediate post-extraction or delayed in a healed alveolar ridge, it appears that cross-arch immediate loading of implants placed in extraction and/or healed edentulous ridges is a predictable procedure with long term stability of the results.

[Clinical dilemmas concerning immediate implants in the esthetic zone].

Teeth replacement in the esthetic zone is a considerable challenge. Dental implants are usually the preferred treatment alternative for tooth replacement. The present review discusses several clinical issues concerning implant placement in the esthetic area. It is still unclear whether raising a flap at the time of implant placement enhances alveolar crest remodeling. However, a flapless surgical procedure could avoid changes in the free gingival margin and maintain the the attached gingiva width. A submarginal approach not involving the free gingival margin can be applied to treat bone defects with the GBR technique. Implants should be placed as palatal as possible while maintaining optimal restoration emergence profile and the horizontal bone defect filled with a non resorbable material such as bovine bone mineral. Thick periodontal biotype and coronally positioned free gingival margin usually lead to better results. Immediate implant placement in presence of a periapical lesion may be performed, however, sites should be thoroughly debrided prior to implant placement.

In vitro effects of enamel matrix proteins on rat bone marrow cells and gingival fibroblasts.

Emdogain (EMD), a formulation of Enamel Matrix Proteins (EMP), is used clinically for periodontal regeneration, where it stimulates cementum formation and promotes gingival healing. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of EMD on rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and gingival fibroblasts (GF). EMD (at 25 micro g/mL) increased the osteogenic capacity of bone marrow, as evidenced by approximately three-fold increase in BMSC cell number and approximately two-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation. The presence of EMD in the initial stages (first 48 hrs) of the culture was crucial for this effect. In contrast, EMD did not induce osteoblastic differentiation of GF (evidenced by lack of mineralization or ALP activity) but increased up to two-fold both their number and the amount of matrix produced. These in vitro data on BMSC and GF could explain the promotive effect of EMD on bone formation and connective tissue regeneration, respectively.

[Differential diagnosis and treatment strategies for peri-implant diseases].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this article is to discuss the requirements to prevent, intercept and treat the peri-implant diseases at different stages. The ethiology and pathogenesis of peri-implant disease is presented, followed by definition and characteristics of the two main entites: peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Data and concepts regarding various evaluation parameters, such as pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, gingival and plaque scores, radiographic and mobility which should be used to assess the clinical status of the peri-implant environment are discussed. The detection and treatment of early pathogenic changes during regular recall maintenance visits can prevent peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and progressive bone loss. The biologic rationale and guidelines for therapeutic procedures aimed to prevent and arrest the Peri-implant Disease according to a maintenance system termed Comulative Interceptive Supportive Therapy (CIST) is presented. The CIST protocol includes as a first sequence mechanical antiseptic and antibiotic treatment to control ongoing infection. Following this, peri-implant bony lesion may be corrected by regenerative or resective surgical techniques. IN CONCLUSION: By continuing diagnosis during maintenance, developing peri-implant infections can be controlled successfully by providing mechanical, antiseptic, antibiotic and surgical supportive therapy, individually or combined.

Preprosthetic clinical crown lengthening procedures in the anterior maxilla.

Clinical crown lengthening procedures (CCLP) are used to enhance aesthetics and/or provide adequate tooth structure for placement and retention of a restoration while respecting the attachment apparatus. When restoration margins extend beyond the biologic width, inflammation and anatomic changes can develop. Anterior CCLP are indicated to increase the labial exposure of the clinical crown and/or the sound tooth structure coronal to the bone crest. Preservation of the interproximal papillae is mandatory to obtain desirable final results in the aesthetic region. This article illustrates various methods of CCLP used to achieve successful oral rehabilitation in the anterior maxilla.

Histopathological morphometric evaluation of 2 different hydroxyapatite-bone derivatives in sinus augmentation procedures: a comparative study in humans.

BACKGROUND: Xenografts to augment the maxillary sinus have been used extensively. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, qualitatively and quantitatively, two different HA derivatives of natural and synthetic sources on newly formed bone in the augmented sinus. METHODS: A bilateral sinus augmentation procedure with simultaneous (16 out of 20 sites) or subsequent implant placement was performed in 10 patients. The antrum was randomly filled with a deproteinized, bovine hydroxyapatite mineral (B-HA) on one side and a non-ceramic resorbable hydroxyapatite (NC-HA) on the other. Cylindrical specimens were harvested from the augmented core at 12 months. Decalcified specimens were sectioned at a cross-horizontal plane and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic and histomorphometric examinations. Tissue area fractions of bone, marrow, and the grafted particles were calculated for each specimen from the lateral to the deep region, and changes in values were compared within each material and between them. RESULTS: New bone formation was evident. B-HA and NC-HA particles were observed in all specimens surrounded by newly formed bone in direct connection or by soft tissue marrow. Morphometrically in the B-HA sites, from the lateral to deeper area, bone area fraction increased from 29.8% to 54.2% (average 42.1%) and marrow area fraction decreased from 37.9% to 26.7% (average 33.3%). The mineral area fraction decreased from 32.3% to 19.1% (average 24.7%). All increasing/decreasing patterns were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In the NC-HA sites, from the lateral to deeper area, bone area fraction increased from 25% to 36.5% (average 32.3%) and marrow area fraction decreased from 51.6% to 41.9% (average 43.2%) (P <0.001). The mineral area fraction decreased from 29% to 21.7% (average 24.6%) (P = 0.038). Comparison between the two HA derivative groups showed a significant difference between the bone area fraction averages (P = 0.0053) and between the increasing patterns along the core depth (P = 0.0006). There was also a significant difference between the decreasing marrow patterns (P = 0.003), but not between their averages. Comparison between the mineral area fractions showed no differences. CONCLUSIONS: B-HA and NC-HA were proven to be biocompatible materials. Although the B-HA-augmented sites showed a higher percentage of bone formation at 12 months, both are suitable bone derivatives in sinus augmentation procedures and can accommodate osseointegrated implants.

Efficacy of porous bovine bone mineral in various types of osseous deficiencies: clinical observations and literature review.

Recent developments in osseous regenerative techniques have increased the demand for bone-substitute grafting materials. Porous deproteinized bovine bone mineral (PBBM), a biocompatible xenograft, has been used in different osseous deficiencies prior to or in conjunction with the placement of titanium implants. The different PBBM applications in fresh extraction sites, anatomic defects, and subantral floor elevation techniques are described. The use of an occlusive barrier membrane to regenerate bone via guided tissue regeneration principles was determined for each patient by clinical parameters. PBBM was well amalgamated and incorporated with the augmented hard tissue, but the transition between preexisting bone and the newly regenerated bone-like tissue was distinguishable by clinical examination even after 12 months. Grafted material was also identified using follow-up radiographs. In the presented cases, PBBM showed clinically satisfactory results as a biocompatible filler in bone augmentation procedures.

Spontaneous early exposure of submerged endosseous implants resulting in crestal bone loss: a clinical evaluation between stage I and stage II surgery.

Spontaneous early exposure of submerged implants during the osseointegration healing phase may be a harmful factor that results in early crestal bone loss around the implants. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of spontaneous early exposure on crestal bone loss around submerged implants, with special attention given to the relationship between the degree of exposure and the amount of peri-implant bone loss. Crestal bone level relative to the shoulder of the implant was measured at the time of placement and at the time of exposure 4 to 5 months later. During the period between stage I and stage II surgery, implant sites were observed, and each implant site in which spontaneous early exposure was detected was recorded. Perforations were classified according to the degree of implant exposure from Class 0 (no perforation) to Class IV (complete exposure). Measurements from 206 implants in 64 patients produced 85 groups valid for statistical comparison; each of these contained at least 2 lesions of different types. There was a statistically significant difference between bone loss associated with intact mucosa (Class 0) and Class I, Class II, and Class III lesions, and between Class I and II lesions. There were no significant differences between Class I and III and between Class II and III. In Class II and III lesions, there was more bone loss associated with the buccal aspect of the implants. Of the 115 perforated sites, 10 were associated with bone loss exceeding 2 mm, 2 presented 3 to 4 mm bone loss, 1 showed more than 4 mm, and 1 displayed more than 5 mm. In view of the clinical implications that spontaneous early exposure may have on the success of osseointegration, prematurely partially exposed implants should be exposed as soon as possible after the perforation is observed.

Porous bovine bone mineral in healing of human extraction sockets: 2. Histochemical observations at 9 months.

BACKGROUND: Porous bovine bone mineral (PBBM) has been used in ridge preservation procedures following tooth extractions. The aim of this study was to investigate histochemically tissue sockets grafted with PBBM at 9 months post-extraction. By using different histochemical stainings, characteristics of the newly formed bone; i.e., lamellar/woven ratio at different socket depths, were investigated and the arrangement of bone around the grafted material, as well as the nature of the amorphous organic material found in all specimens, were examined. METHODS: After extraction of 15 single-rooted maxillary teeth from 15 patients, socket sites were grafted with PBBM particles (250 to 1,000 mu). Primary soft tissue closure of the grafted site was established using the rotated split palatal pedicle flap technique. At 9 months, a cylindrical tissue specimen, 2.5 mm in diameter, was trephined from each previously grafted site followed by placement of a screw-shaped implant. Horizontal tissue section cuts, 5 mu wide, were prepared for histological examination. Histochemical staining included alcian blue, periodic-acid Schiff, Mallory trichrome, reticulin, Van Gieson, and picrosirius red (PSR). PSR stained slides were further evaluated morphometrically, using polarized microscopy to determine the amount of lamellar versus woven bone in superficial, mid and deep specimen section cut areas. RESULTS: All staining methods revealed that newly formed bone encircled and adhered to the grafted material in most specimens. Mallory trichrome staining showed osteoblasts present within an osteoid layer, lining the interface zone of PBBM particles and the new osseous tissue. Morphometric evaluation of the PSR stained slides disclosed a constant pattern of increased osseous tissue in a coronal-apical direction. An average of 17.1% osseous tissue with 1:12.9 lamellar/woven bone ratio was calculated in the superficial area. The average bone tissue fraction was 48.3% with a lamellar/woven ratio of 1:3.8 in the mid section area and in the deep area, it increased to 63.9%, with a lamellar/woven ratio average of 1:1.7. Differences between ratios at these sites were statistically significant (P<0.001). An amorphous organic substance was noted in most grafted particles. This material usually attached cell striae and harbored glycoproteins as revealed by periodic-acid Schiff and alcian blue stainings. Mallory trichrome staining showed denatured protein within the decalcified mineral particles; reticulin, Van Gieson stainings, and polarization of PSR stained sections refuted the existence of collagen in the grafted particles. CONCLUSIONS: Cancellous PBBM is a biocompatible filler agent in extraction socket sites and an acceptable graft for edentulous ridge preservation at sites prepared to receive endosseous implants. The osteoconductivity of PBBM was determined based on promoting osseous ingrowth and close integration with the newly generated bone. Grafted particles were not significantly resorbed at 9 months. Further studies are needed to determine the resorbable capability, as well as the nature and significance of the amorphous organic substance of PBBM observed in the grafted particles.

Healing of dehiscence defects at delayed-immediate implant sites primarily closed by a rotated palatal flap following extraction.

In 21 patients, 28 maxillary teeth were extracted because of periapical or periodontal infection, root fracture, or untreatable caries. A rotated palatal flap procedure was used to achieve primary soft tissue closure over extraction sites. At 5 to 7 weeks postextraction, 28 implants were placed. Buccal dehiscence-type defects were treated with guided bone regeneration procedures using bovine bone mineral and resorbable collagen membranes. Mean defect area at the time of implant placement (23.7 mm2, SD 11.49) was significantly reduced at uncovering (0.7 mm2, SD 0.99). The mean percentage of defect reduction (clinical bone fill) was 97% (SD 4.26). Implants placed in compromised sites shortly postextraction according to the presented 2-stage protocol gave good short-term clinical results.

Porous bovine bone mineral in healing of human extraction sockets. Part 1: histomorphometric evaluations at 9 months.

BACKGROUND: Extraction socket wound healing is characterized by resorption of the alveolar bone at the extraction site. This produces a decrease in ridge volume, deformations of ridge contours, and, thus, difficulties in delayed placement of root-form implants in an ideal position. Cancellous porous bovine bone mineral (PBBM) applied to fresh extraction sockets has recently been proposed to minimize the reduction in ridge volume. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PBBM grafted particles on the histopathologic pattern of the intrasocket regenerated bone and to evaluate histomorphometrically the healed PBBM grafted extraction socket site at 9 months' post-extraction. METHODS: PBBM particles (250 to 1,000 microns in size) were grafted in 15 fresh human extraction sockets in 15 patients. Socket wall bone height was measured from the crestal ridge level before the mineral particles were inserted. Primary soft tissue closure was performed to protect the grafted particles via a pediculated split palatal flap. At 9 months, socket bone walls were remeasured and cylinder bone samples of the previously PBBM-grafted sites were obtained. Decalcified specimens were sectioned at a cross-horizontal plane and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic and histomorphologic examination. Tissue area percentage of bone, PBBM, and connective tissue (CT) was calculated for each specimen from the crestal to the apical region and changes in values compared. RESULTS: Average clinical overall bone fill of the augmented socket sites was 82.3%. Histologically, PBBM particles were observed in all specimens. Newly formed bone was characterized by abundance of cellular woven-type bone in the coronal area, while lamellar arrangements could be identified only in the more apical region. New osseous tissue adhered to the PBBM. Histomorphometric measurements showed an increase of mean bone tissue area along the histological sections from 15.9% in the coronal part to 63.9% apically (average 46.3%). CT fraction decreased from 52.4% to 9.5% (average 22.9%) from the crestal to the apical region. PBBM area fraction varied from 26.4% to 35.1% (average 30.8%). Statistical analysis of the comparison between areas of bone, CT, and PBBM was performed in different points along the coronal-apical axis. Differences were significant (P <0.01) at the most crestal, middle, and apical section cut areas, but not at the cervical section cuts. Bone area fraction increased in the apical direction as much as CT correlatively decreased. Unlike CT and bone, PBBM retained constant relative volume (approximately 30%), regardless of the depth of the specimen cores. CONCLUSIONS: PBBM particles are an appropriate biocompatible bone derivative in fresh extraction sockets for ridge preservation. The resorbability of this xenograft could not be recognized in a 9-month period. Further investigation is needed to clarify the resorptive mechanisms of PBBM.

Interproximal papillae reconstruction in maxillary implants.

BACKGROUND: Gingival esthetics has become an important factor in the overall success of most maxillary implant-supported restorations. Periodontal plastic surgery procedures may be used to enhance esthetics in the maxillary anterior region. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a new surgical approach, performed at implant exposure, to reconstruct interdental papillae around maxillary implant-supported restorations. METHODS: The surgical procedure was performed on 32 patients, in which 36 consecutive single tooth osseointegrated implants were exposed in the anterior and premolar maxillary region. Previous to implant exposure and 6 months postoperatively, once the implant-supported restoration was in place, mesial and distal papilla contour measurements were calculated, based on a modification of the papillary index score (PIS). Statistical analysis consisted of paired t test, Pearson's correlation, and ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: Preoperative PIS ranged from 0 to 3 and from 1 to 3 at the 6 months follow-up control. A mean of mesial and distal papilla, within the same tooth, was used for paired t test statistical analysis. A mean increase of 1.07 (SD 0.43) in PIS was statistically significant (P<0.001). At the second measurement, in no site was PIS smaller (0%) while in 64 sites PIS was higher (89%). In 51 papilla (71%) there was an increase of 1 PIS unit and 13 (18%) of 2 PIS units between both measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The presented surgical technique performed at second stage implant surgery was useful for partial or total interproximal papilla reconstruction adjacent to maxillary single-implant restorations.

Clinical coverage of dehiscence defects in immediate implant procedures: three surgical modalities to achieve primary soft tissue closure.

In 61 patients, 61 consecutive implants were placed immediately after extraction of one anterior or premolar maxillary tooth. One of 3 surgical approaches based on rotated full (RPF) or rotated split (RSPF) palatal flaps, with and without the use of barrier membranes to enable primary soft tissue closure, was applied. A bovine bone mineral graft was used in all cases. At the time of implant placement, the distance between the most apicobuccal alveolar crestal bone and the coronal aspect of the implant body was measured; this was measured again at second-stage surgery. All implants appeared clinically stable. The buccal crestal bone gain was statistically significant for all groups (RPF = 2 mm, RSPF = 1.6 mm, RSPF with membrane = 3.7 mm) (P < .001). Analysis of covariance showed a significant covariant for preoperative measurements; however, this was not significant between groups.

Rotated palatal flap in immediate implant procedures. Clinical evaluation of 26 consecutive cases.

Immediate implant placement after tooth extraction is a successful treatment modality. Primary flap closure is important for satisfactory final results in these procedures. The purpose of this article was to evaluate a surgical approach that would enable predictable primary soft tissue closure over implants placed into fresh extraction sockets. In 24 patients, 26 consecutive implants were placed immediately following extraction of one anterior or premolar maxillary tooth. Primary closure was achieved by a surgical technique based on a rotated palatal flap (RPF), covering the implant. Deproteinized bovine bone was used as grafting material. The apicocoronal distance between the buccal alveolar crestal bone and the coronal aspect of the implant body was measured at time of implant placement (mean 2.6 mm, SD 1.72) and at second stage surgery (mean 0.6 mm, SD 0.70). The difference between both records was calculated. The mean gain in crestal bone was 2.0 mm (SD 1.69, P < 0.001). In 1 patient, where the implant cover screw became exposed early, crestal bone loss was noted. This technique offers a predictable valuable treatment approach to achieve and maintain primary soft tissue coverage and crestal bone regeneration over implants immediately placed within a bony envelope, after extracting maxillary teeth, without the use of barrier membranes.

Displacement of the incisive foramen in conjunction with implant placement in the anterior maxilla without jeopardizing vitality of nasopalatine nerve and vessels: a novel surgical approach.

Accurate implant placement in the anterior maxilla is essential in achieving optimal prosthetic rehabilitation with proper function and acceptable esthetic and phonetic demands. One of the preferable prosthetic solutions to restore a missing maxillary incisor in young adults is by an implant-supported crown. Bone resorption together with an enlarged incisive foramen, challenge proper implant placement. A simultaneous procedure where the implant osteotomy site penetrated the incisive canal is presented. A configurated cortico-cancellous block graft core was adjusted to fit the foramen while its soft tissue content was pushed back posteriorly but not removed. This procedure was followed by an immediate implant placement. Re-entry at 9 months revealed solid bone support embracing the implant body. Although the size of the incisive foramen diminished significantly, the nasopalatine branches were still evident. No complications and/or loss of sensation were observed.

Coronal ridge augmentation in the absence of bilateral bony plates around a pathologically denuded implant surface.

Guided bone regeneration via an osteopromotive barrier is indicated in different alveolar bone deficiencies and in periimplant bone destruction around pathologically denuded exposed implants. Regeneration of the osseous volume is determined by understanding the biologic behavior response of hard and soft tissues in guided tissue regeneration procedures. Consequently, a meticulous surgical approach is mandatory to preserve wound healing cascades and tissue stability. However, hard tissue augmentation in the nonsupported coronal direction has been unpredictable. A case report is presented in which a severely defected ridge around a pathologically exposed functional implant combined with a destructive extraction site was restored and regenerated. Bovine bone mineral particles (Bio-Oss) served as the graft material and were followed by an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) occlusive membrane as a bilateral regenerative tissue guide. Subsequently, 2 additional implants were placed in the augmented hard tissue ridge.

Rotated split palatal flap for soft tissue primary coverage over extraction sites with immediate implant placement. Description of the surgical procedure and clinical results.

Immediate implant placement after tooth extraction is becoming a common procedure in implant-supported oral rehabilitation. However, lack of primary full flap closure can jeopardize final results. A surgical approach that would enable predictable primary soft tissue closure over implants placed into fresh extraction sockets is described and evaluated. This technique is based on a rotated deep split thickness palatal flap (RSPF) containing periosteum and connective tissue, covering the implant and/or a barrier membrane. In 29 patients, 33 consecutive implants were placed immediately post extraction of 1 or 2 anterior or premolar maxillary teeth. Patients were divided in 2 groups: Group A (15 patients; n = 18 sites) where no barrier membrane was used and Group B (14 patients, n = 15 sites) where an occlusive resorbable collagen membrane was used. Distance between the alveolar crestal bone and the coronal aspect of the implant was measured at time of implant placement (Group A: mean 1.9 mm, SD 1.16; Group B: mean 4.6 mm, SD 1.18) and at second stage surgery (Group A: mean 0.3 mm, SD 0.46; Group B: mean 0. 7 mm, SD 0. 7). The difference between both records (crestal bone formation) was calculated (Group A: 1.7 mm, SD 1.03; Group B: 3.9 mm, SD 1.12) and found to be statistically significant (P <0.0001). Crestal bone formation, relative to the initial bone crest-implant distance at time of implant placement was approximately 85% in both groups. In 4 sites (2 in each group), where the cover screws were exposed before second stage surgery, complete crestal bone regeneration did not occur. Use of a barrier membrane may be obviated in appropriate cases while placing implants into fresh extraction sites. This procedure offers a predictable treatment approach in achieving complete soft tissue coverage, while allowing for healing of bony defects in immediate implantation procedures.

A screw lock for single-tooth implant superstructures.

BACKGROUND: The most common complication in a single-tooth implant restoration is abutment screw loosening. Instability of the prosthetic superstructure is expressed by difficulty in chewing and functioning, as well as soft-tissue soreness and/or swelling that could lead to screw fracture. Manufacturers of oral implants have attempted to refine the connecting parts of the prosthesis to achieve a more predictable tightening method for the screws. METHODS: To maintain the abutment screw tightly in its correct position, the authors developed a technique in which an elongated hexagonal titanium bar is inserted into the hexed fixed screw head. The screw is locked, and the bar is then fixed with a light-cured composite resin material that serves to seal the retaining screw access hole. The occlusal hexagonal bar thus serves as a secure screw lock that can be easily removed if needed. RESULTS: The authors have used the hexagonal bar for almost three years on 120 single-tooth screw-retained prostheses in 100 patients (65 in the first and second premolar region, 40 in the incisor region and 15 in the posterior molar region). All of these prostheses functioned successfully, including those with wider occlusal planes and increasing occlusal forces. No screw loosening or fractures were noted in any of the fixtures. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This technique secures and stabilizes the single-tooth prosthesis, reduces chair time on follow-up procedures and reduces unnecessary frustration in patients and dental team members.

Split palatal flap. I. A surgical approach for primary soft tissue healing in ridge augmentation procedures: technique and clinical results.

This article describes a surgical procedure to predictably obtain primary closure over extraction sockets in the maxilla. The technique offers a valuable treatment approach for the achievement of primary soft tissue closure over bone grafts and/or occlusive osteopromotive membranes, although the use of an osteopromotive membrane may not always be necessary in cases of single-tooth extraction. The surgical technique is based on a split-thickness palatal flap in which the pediculated deep portion is rotated to cover the grafted alveolus or membrane. This procedure was used in a total of 40 sites in 32 consecutive patients; a barrier membrane was used in 20 sites. All treated sites allowed proper implant placement after healing. Two membranes became prematurely exposed and one was removed before implant surgery. Proper soft and hard tissue anatomy was predictably obtained prior to implant placement. This surgical procedure is useful in preserving and/or augmenting the alveolar ridge prior to or during implant placement in cases of advanced alveolar bone loss.