Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation for Pontic Site Preparation:A Perio-Prostho Synergy.

Abstract

The reconstruction of a lost alveolar housing is important to achieve a harmonious balance between biology, function, and aesthetics for a prosthesis's successful outcome. Soft tissue ridge augmentation is a periodontal surgical procedure designed to correct mild to moderate horizontal alveolar ridge deformities alongside fixed partial prosthesis, mostly preferred for their aesthetic benefits and less invasive nature as compare to hard tissue augmentation. Moreover, the increase in keratinized tissue and the improved soft tissue profile reduces the risk of future complications and is essential for hygiene maintainance. The purpose of this case report was to present the successful periodontics-prosthodontics synergistic approach to treat a seibert class I moderate type ridge defect with additional vestibular depth and keratinized tissue insufficiency issues in an edentulous molar pontic site using a free gingival onlay graft.