Premium
Pre‐augmentation soft tissue expansion: an overview
Author(s) -
Asa'ad Farah,
Rasperini Giulio,
Pagni Giorgio,
Rios Hector F.,
Giannì Aldo B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical oral implants research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.407
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1600-0501
pISSN - 0905-7161
DOI - 10.1111/clr.12617
Subject(s) - soft tissue , tissue expansion , clinical practice , medicine , hard tissue , dentistry , biomedical engineering , computer science , surgery , physical therapy
Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the development of soft tissue expanders, their different types and their potential applications prior to bone augmentation and implant placement. Material and Methods A review of pertinent literature was performed using PubMed to comprehend the dynamics of soft tissue expanders and determine the current position of their pre‐augmentation applications. Results There is promising, albeit preliminary information regarding the benefits of pre‐augmentation soft tissue expansion. Findings cannot be generalised due to relatively small sample size. Conclusions Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and long‐term follow‐up are needed before soft tissue expanders can be confidently applied in everyday clinical practice.