Transalveolar fixation of the peri-implant soft tissue in the mandible: surgical method and clinical follow-up

Abstract Purpose: Firm, immobile mucosa around endosteal implants is one prerequisite for a reliable long-term result. In the atrophic mandible, this may be achieved by a vestibuloplasty on the facial side. However, on the lingual side, the floor of the mouth is often high and the mucosa mobile, especially after unintentional detachment of the lingual flap during implant surgery. To overcome this problem, a surgical technique applying a transalveolar suture circumscribing the inserted implants was developed. Patients and Methods: The operation was performed in six patients, and they were evaluated over a period of more than 18 months. Results: There was a clinically significant increase in fixed mucosa behind the implants compared with a control group of six patients with a similar preoperative and intraoperative status. Conclusion: A localized lowering of the floor of the mouth limited to the peri-implant region using this technique can successfully improve the lingual mucosa around implants.