Soft Tissue Augmentation in Connection to Dental Implant Treatment Using a Synthetic, Porous Material - A Case Series with a 6-Month Follow-Up

Background: Bony defects/concavities in the aesthetic zone of maxillae may interfere with the results of prosthetic procedures by producing shading superior to the crown. Such regions can be augmented either by bone or soft tissue autografts, allografts, or xenografts. Tissue shrinkage is thus anticipated, and a method to objectively measure the tissue change is valuable. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a synthetic, porous material made of polyurethaneurea for buccal soft tissue augmentation in connection with implant placement in the maxillary front region. Further, to measure over time the change in buccal contour using a computerized technique. Materials and Methods: Ten patients received 12 Artelon (R) cylinders (5 x 10 mm) in connection to implant placement. Preoperative and postoperative (at 3 and 6 months) study casts were obtained for computer measurements, using the preoperative reference model as a base. The volume created between the surfaces of the reference model and each of the two following superimposed models was measured in cubic millimeter. Differences in volume from pretreatment to 3 and 6 months, respectively, were compared. Results: The clinical observation during follow-up showed normal healing. The increase in mean buccal tissue volume was 50 mm3 (SD 18) after 3 months and 43 mm3 (SD 21) after 6 months, measured over a 6 mm x 8 mm area in the maxillary front region, in comparison to before insertion of the cylinder. The reduction from 3 to 6 months was not statistically significant (p = .17). Conclusion: A synthetic, porous material for soft tissue augmentation was tested in connection to implant placement in the aesthetic zone of maxillae. The buccal contour was followed-up for 6 months using a computer volumetric technique on preoperative and postoperative study casts. Measured tissue volume showed an obvious increase during the study period. The material was biologically well received.