Resubmergence Technique for the Management of Soft Tissue Recession Around an Implant: Case Report

Implant restoration in the anterior maxilla is a true challenge for clinicians. Facial tissue recession around the implant prosthesis is one of most difficult situations to correct. This report details the treatment of a female patient who presented with a root fracture of the maxillary left central incisor and crossbite of the left canines. The treatment protocol included implant placement and subsequent orthodontic treatment to correct the crossbite, with the implant used as adjunctive anchorage. However, labial tissue recession around the implant restoration occurred following orthodontic therapy. A resubmerged implant technique with connective tissue grafting for implant coverage was employed. The implant was uncovered again 2 months after the resubmergence treatment and the definitive prosthesis was delivered later. The resulting esthetic defect was restored and a 3-year postgrafting follow-up examination revealed that there was no further marginal tissue recession of the implant restoration. A harmonious soft tissue margin was achieved in the anterior esthetic region. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2010; 25: 201-204