Contour Augmentation: A Modern Approach to Soft Tissue Reconstruction Around Dental Implants

Contour Augmentation: A Novel Method in Soft Tissue Reconstruction Around Dental Implants

Contour augmentation is a cutting-edge technique in reconstructing soft tissue around dental implants, playing a crucial role in preserving the aesthetics and health of oral tissues. By enhancing the thickness and resilience of the soft tissue, this procedure supports improved gum profiles and creates a natural appearance.

Iranian Tissue Product Co., a leading company in the production of allografts and tissue engineering products, made a strong presence as a Silver Sponsor at the 23rd International Periodontology Congress. It showcased allograft bone products, such as bone powders and collagen membranes, including pericardium membranes, fascia membranes, and acellular dermal membranes (ADM), serving the nation’s periodontists with these advancements. As a pioneer in allograft and bio-implant production in Iran, Iranian Tissue Product Co. contributed significantly to this congress by presenting advanced products like bone allografts and collagen matrices.

Workshop: “Contour Enhancement: Soft Tissue or Hard Tissue?”

Contouring around implants aims to create a well-defined geometry of the surrounding tissue volume. Due to the importance of the chosen technique in contouring, it’s essential to consider the required bone volume for placing the implant in an optimal prosthetic position. If there is at least 1.5 mm of bone, especially on the buccal surface, bone reconstruction beyond the existing bone may not be necessary for contouring, meaning that soft tissue techniques can be employed. Allograft materials, such as acellular dermal (skin) matrices, are suitable options for this approach, provided that they are used correctly with the proper techniques.

On the second day of the Periodontology Association Congress of 2024, Iranian Tissue Product Co. sponsored the “Contour Enhancement: Soft Tissue or Hard Tissue?” workshop, conducted by Dr. Mahdi Ekhlasmand. In this workshop, periodontists explored advanced techniques for gum contouring and volumizing around implants using Regen Allograft’s bone and collagen products. This workshop allowed participants to familiarize themselves with appropriate indications for contouring and select the best methods to improve implant aesthetics and functionality.

The Importance of Contour Augmentation in Dental Implants

Around implants, the soft tissue should have sufficient thickness and height to prevent bone resorption. Thin and weak soft tissue can lead to bone resorption and aesthetic issues, which contour augmentation can resolve by providing adequate thickness. The soft tissue thickness also plays a role in maintaining the aesthetic appearance of implants and prevents gum recession in the implant area (Le & Hayashi, 2022; Zang et al., 2022).

Contour Augmentation Techniques

Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) Usage:

The acellular dermal matrix (ADM), derived from human skin and free of cells, is one of the most widely used materials for enhancing soft tissue around implants. This material supports angiogenesis and tissue repair, increasing soft tissue thickness and resilience, while reducing the need to harvest tissue from other body sites (Puisys et al., 2015; Zang et al., 2022).

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR):

Guided bone regeneration involves using bone graft materials and collagen membranes to reconstruct and strengthen soft and hard tissue. This technique has a significant impact on improving gum profiles and preventing gum recession (Le & Hayashi, 2022; Waller et al., 2020).

Connective Tissue Graft (CTG):

The connective tissue graft, taken from other areas of the body, such as the roof of the mouth, is considered the gold standard for increasing soft tissue thickness. This method effectively creates an optimal gum profile and enhances the aesthetic outcomes of implants, though it may cause discomfort and side effects at the donor site (Puisys et al., 2015).

Utilizing Allografts and Advanced Products in Contouring

At the Iranian Periodontology Association Congress, indications for using “Regen” products, such as bone powders and collagen membranes (e.g., pericardium membranes, fascia membranes, and ADM), were discussed in the context of soft tissue contouring. These products, with their unique biological properties and high tissue compatibility, are recognized as safe and effective solutions. Studies indicate that using allografts and biological matrices, along with appropriate surgical techniques, can promote soft and hard tissue cell growth, facilitate new tissue formation, and provide stable, natural results (Puisys et al., 2015; Waller et al., 2020).