The ramp mattress suture: a new suturing technique combined with a surgical procedure to obtain papillae between implants in the buccal area

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2002 Feb;22(1):63-9.

Abstract

This article has been written to show the opportunity and eventually the predictability to obtain new papillae between implants and a better esthetic result by the use of a new suturing technique. After raising a full-thickness flap from the palatal to the vestibular side, it can be stabilized in such a position using a new suturing technique (ramp mattress suture) to apply pressure and tearing forces on the flap in an apicocoronal direction at the vestibular site and an opposite traction in a coronoapical direction at the palatal site. The ramp mattress suture seems to be capable of pulling the flap in an apicocoronal direction in the vestibular site, as well as in a coronoapical direction in the palatal site. Thanks to such a mattress suture, it will be possible to obtain a more coronal gingival margin. After an adequate healing period of approximately 5 weeks, a vestibular scalloped gingivectomy is performed around the vestibular surface of the abutment to create either a scalloped gingival margin or interproximal papillae only in the vestibular area, forming a gingival ramp in a palatovestibular direction to reasonably reduce the residual increased vestibular depth and optimize the esthetic result. Eight patients, for a total of 56 papillae, were treated with this new suturing technique. The esthetic results satisfied both clinician and patient expectations.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dental Implants
  • Female
  • Gingivectomy
  • Gingivoplasty / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Suture Techniques*

Substances

  • Dental Implants