Soft tissue augmentation using bone substitutes around dental implants healing abutments: a novel approach to enhance tissue width and quality

Dental implants are widely recognized as a reliable solution for tooth replacement, with consistently high success rates. However, the pursuit of improved aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction has driven the advancement of techniques to enhance soft tissue stability around implants. This study investigated the effect of immediate implant placement combined with bone grafts and healing caps on soft tissue thickness and height. A prospective clinical study was conducted involving ten patients undergoing immediate tooth extraction and implant placement. A total of 18 implants were placed, with bone grafts applied around the implants and healing caps utilized. Gingival thickness and height were measured before tooth extraction and six months post-implantation using injection needles and transgingival probing methods. The results revealed significant increases in gingival dimensions after six months. The mean gingival height improved from 1.3 mm pre-extraction to 3.9 mm post-implantation, while the mean gingival thickness increased from 1.9 mm to 4.2 mm. The findings demonstrated stable gingival tissue and favorable aesthetic outcomes, underscoring the efficacy of immediate implant placement combined with bone grafts and healing caps. This approach significantly enhances soft tissue stability and aesthetics, providing a promising method for improving long-term implant success and patient satisfaction. Keywords: Bone graft, dental health, innovation, gingival tissue, patient satisfaction