Connective Tissue Graft May Compensate for Residual Bone Defect of the Implant in the Esthetic Zone: A Case Report with 7-year Follow-up
The present case report aimed to demonstrate the case using a connective tissue graft (CTG) to compensate for a residual defect after guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the anterior maxillary area. An extensive number of studies have reported successful outcomes of horizontal bone augmentation, but it was also demonstrated that a complete resolution of the defect may not be achieved in all cases. In the present case report, the patient underwent implant placement simultaneously with GBR at the anterior maxillary area. After 4 months, partial regeneration of the initial defect was observed. To compensate for such residual defect, a CTG was applied. Other expectations by the CTG were to enhance tissue volume and phenotype. The final prosthesis was delivered after 3 months. Up to 7 years, favorable radiographic and clinical situations were observed. In conclusion, a CTG may compensate for residual bone defect of the implant in the esthetic zone.
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