Evaluating the Healing of Peri-Implant Tissue after Flapless Implant Surgery

Abstract

Background
Flapless implant surgery is a minimally invasive technique aimed at reducing patient morbidity, promoting faster healing, and preserving peri-implant soft and hard tissues. The healing process of peri-implant tissue following flapless surgery is critical to long-term implant success. This study aims to evaluate the healing process and tissue response after flapless implant surgery.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 patients requiring single dental implants were selected for this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (flapless implant surgery, 30 patients) and Group B (traditional flap surgery, 30 patients). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess bone density and tissue healing. Clinical parameters such as implant stability, peri-implant soft tissue healing, and probing depth were measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-surgery. Arbitrary values for tissue healing were assigned using a 0-5 scale, where 0 indicates no healing and 5 represents complete healing.

Results
At 2 weeks post-surgery, Group A showed an average healing score of 3.2, whereas Group B had a score of 2.5. By 6 weeks, Group A’s healing improved to 4.0, compared to 3.5 in Group B. At 12 weeks, Group A reached a healing score of 4.8, while Group B achieved 4.2. Implant stability, measured via resonance frequency analysis (RFA), was significantly higher in Group A at all time intervals. Peri-implant probing depths were shallower in Group A compared to Group B, with a mean depth of 2.0 mm versus 2.6 mm at the 12-week follow-up.

Conclusion
Flapless implant surgery demonstrated superior peri-implant tissue healing and implant stability compared to traditional flap surgery. Patients undergoing flapless surgery experienced faster soft tissue healing and less post-operative discomfort. This technique can be considered a viable option for suitable candidates, contributing to improved clinical outcomes.