Fig.5: To place an immediate implant, no incision is usually needed.  An incision interferes with blood supply, which may be associated with postop bone resorption.  As mentioned above, the buccodistal dimension of the socket is much larger than the mesiodistal one (white circle).  After 4x17 mm implant is placed, there is still a gap buccal to the implant.  A buccal flap is raised to move the bucccal gingiva lingually to close the gap.  Sutures are placed to hold the flap in place.

A small gap can be closed naturally or by using periodontal dressing (without incision).  Return to main article

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 09/11/2012, last revision 01/19/2014