The present study describes a clinical case in which the buccal fat pad (BFP) was used to improve the contour of the peri-implant mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of such an application in the literature. A 58-year-old woman presented with teeth #2 and #3 missing and an indication for extraction of tooth #4. After clinical examination and CBCT analysis, immediate implants were placed in the region of the extracted tooth and that of tooth #2 for prosthetic rehabilitation using a three-unit fixed partial denture. There was an extensive mucosal defect in the region of tooth #3, with vertical and horizontal changes in the contour of the mucosa. As an alternative to the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft, we opted for displacement of the BFP and its accommodation on the alveolar ridge of tooth #3 to improve the buccal tissue contour. After 5 years of follow-up, satisfactory gain and maintenance of mucosal volume were observed in the treated area, as well as improvement of buccal tissue contour. The use of BFP seems to be a feasible alternative for filling and treating peri-implant mucosal defects.
Keywords: dental esthetics; dental implant; fat pad; periodontal atrophy.