Management of Soft Tissue Defects Around Single Implants: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of the available techniques for the management of peri-implant soft tissue defects around single implants in the anterior region.

Material and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science (all databases), and Cochrane, using keywords and MeSH terms related to the topic. This systematic review included prospective interventional studies with a minimum of 10 patients and at least 6 months of follow-up.

Results: A total of 13 articles were included, with eight focusing on outcomes related to buccal soft tissue dehiscence coverage procedures and the remaining five investigating interventions aimed at augmenting soft tissue thickness. Coronally advanced flap in combination with connective tissue graft was the most effective technique for buccal soft tissue dehiscence coverage in the medium and long term. In terms of increasing soft tissue thickness, both connective tissue graft and acellular dermal matrix demonstrated satisfactory short-term outcomes; however, their long-term efficacy remains unclear.

Conclusions: Soft tissue augmentation procedures resulted in satisfactory outcomes, in terms of buccal soft tissue dehiscence coverage and soft tissue thickness increase, around single implants in the esthetic area. Peri-implant plastic surgery has improved both the esthetic appearance and quality of life of patients.

Prospero registration code: CRD42023398424.

Keywords: connective tissue; dental esthetics; patient‐reported outcome measures; single‐tooth dental implants; tissue transplantation.