The Ball Technique for Peri-implant Soft Tissue Augmentation Using a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix: A Technical Report

Toshiyuki Mizuguchi, DDS, PhD/Maurice Salama, DMD/Yoshihiro Iwano, DDS, PhD/Eiji Kitamura, DDS, PhD/Sally Sheng, DDS, MS/Makoto Shiota, DDS, PhD/Seiko Min, DDS, MS, PhD: In the maxillary anterior region, augmentation to correct a soft tissue deficiency is often required for an esthetic outcome and long-term implant therapy success. This case series of three patients presents a novel approach for soft tissue augmentation using xenogeneic collagen matrix balls in the esthetic zone around the implants. This technique avoids a secondary donor site compared to autogenous connective tissue graft. With this technique, a horizontal soft tissue volume increase (range: 3 to 5 mm) was observed postsurgically and maintained at later follow-ups. The described ball technique offers a viable method for peri-implant mucosal augmentation in the maxillary anterior region.