Retrospective case series analysis of vestibuloplasty with free gingival graft and titanium mesh around dental implant

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to introduce an effective technique to easily obtain adequate amounts of keratinized gingiva and vestibular depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free gingiva (vertical height 10 mm) was harvested on the palatal mucosa and a partial thickness flap was elevated on the recipient site with same width as the free gingiva graft. After a conventional suture, a titanium mesh covered the graft and was fixed with miniscrews. Titanium mesh was removed 4.1±2.5 weeks after surgery. The amount of keratinized gingiva and vestibular depth was measured at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Nine patients (males 4, females 5; 53.9±14.1 years) who underwent bone graft surgery before vestibuloplasty were included. No free gingival graft failure or complications were encountered in any of the patients. The relapse rate for vestibular depth (23.3%) was lower than that for keratinized gingiva (48.3%) after 34.4±14.4 months (P=0.010). CONCLUSION: Vestibuloplasty with a free gingival graft using titanium mesh could be achieved with an acceptable amount of keratinized gingiva and an appropriate vestibular depth around dental implant.