New Suture Alternative for Gingival Grafts in Dental Implants

P. R. CHINA: Researchers from China and Canada have introduced a novel technique that offers an alternative to traditional suturing methods for free gingival graft (FGG) procedures, which are crucial in ensuring the success of dental implants. This innovative approach aims to simplify the surgical process, reduce operating time, and enhance the keratinized mucosa (KM) around the implant site more effectively.

The Importance of Keratinized Mucosa

Dental implants are a widely adopted solution for missing teeth, helping to maintain jaw alignment, oral health, and overall well-being. However, complications can arise, as dental implantation is considered a major oral surgery. One crucial step in ensuring a successful implant procedure is performing grafts to ensure that the oral tissues, especially the keratinized mucosa (KM), are healthy, stable, and plentiful enough to sustain the implant. Without adequate KM width (KMW), the implant site becomes vulnerable to infection and inflammation, which can prevent proper healing and ultimately lead to implant failure.

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Anbin Xu, DDS, and colleagues from Wuhan University, Edong Healthcare Group, and the University of Toronto, have proposed a novel “microscrew with tie-down sutures” technique to stabilize the FGG on the recipient site as an alternative to the traditional suturing method. As Dr. Xu states, “This technique can simplify the FGG surgical procedure, shorten surgery time, and enhance KM around the implant more effectively.”

Case Study

The researchers present a case study of a 65-year-old woman who had previously undergone dental implant surgery but experienced complications due to insufficient KMW. The patient underwent additional oral surgery using the novel “microscrew with tie-down sutures” technique for an FGG with an apically positioned flap. The results were promising, with the FGG showing no signs of infection at 14 days post-surgery, complete healing at one month, and stable and healthy KM one year after restoration. The implantation was successful.

The success of this novel procedure offers a new avenue for suturing after an FGG procedure that could lessen surgery time and increase overall KMW. Xu and colleagues conclude, “The ‘microscrew with tie-down sutures’ technique presents a feasible, simplified, and problem-solving resolution for enhancing KM around the implant in the posterior area. Future studies on this technique should include additional cases and longer tracking times.”

This innovative technique represents a potentially promising development in the field of dental implantology, offering a simplified approach to FGG procedures and enhancing the success rate of dental implants. However, further research and long-term studies are warranted to assess its broader applicability and efficacy.