Effects of Flapless Implant Surgery on Soft Tissue Profiles: A Prospective Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Flapless implant surgery has been suggested as a suitable treatment modality for the preservation of soft tissue after implant placement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of soft tissue profile changes around implants after flapless implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients received 76 implants using a flapless implant procedure. The marginal level of the peri-implant soft tissue was evaluated using dental casts 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months after implant placement. RESULTS: The mean soft tissue levels around implants showed 0.7 ± 0.3 mm of coronal growth 1 week after surgery. At 1 month, the levels were 0.2 ± 0.2 mm coronal growth and at 4 months, the values were 0.0 ± 0.3 mm. Soft tissue profiles assessed 4 months after flapless implant placement were similar to profiles assessed immediately before implant placement. CONCLUSION: Flapless implant surgery is advantageous for preserving mucosal form surrounding dental implants.