Bone healing around implants following flap and mini-flap surgeries: a radiographic evaluation between stage I and stage II surgery

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of flap and mini-flap implant surgeries on crestal bone changes around dental implants. Study design: A total of 286 implants were placed in 129 patients: 142 implants were placed in 58 patients by using a conventional flap procedure, and 144 implants were placed in 71 patients by using a mini-flap procedure. The 2 groups were evaluated radiographically for postoperative changes in the crestal bone level from the time of placement to the time of exposure (3 to 4 months later). Results: The mean crestal bone loss was 0.26 mm in the flap group and 0.20 mm in the mini-flap group (P > .05). The success rate was 96.5% in the flap group and 100% in the mini-flap group (P < .05). Conclusion: The results indicate that when implants are placed using a mini-flap procedure, the mini-flap procedure may increase the success rate. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.