Modified Labial Pedicle Papilla Flap (mLPPF) With or Without De-epithelialized Gingival Graft (dGG) for Peri-implant Papilla Reconstruction

Peri-implant papilla deficiency remains one of the most challenging aspects of achieving esthetic success in implant dentistry, particularly in the anterior maxilla where soft tissue harmony plays a pivotal role. Despite the development of several surgical and prosthetic techniques, no universally accepted gold standard procedure or biomaterial has been established for papilla reconstruction.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to investigate the clinical outcomes of two surgical approaches for peri-implant papilla reconstruction: the modified labial pedicle papilla flap (mLPPF) performed alone, and mLPPF combined with a de-epithelialized gingival graft (mLPPF+dGG). Patients presenting with single-tooth missing sites in the maxillary anterior or premolar regions, associated with papilla loss, were recruited. A total of 80 cases were allocated to three groups:

Control group - papilla-preserving incisions only,

mLPPF group - surgical papilla reconstruction with a modified pedicle flap,

mLPPF+dGG group - flap reconstruction combined with a connective tissue graft harvested and de-epithelialized from the palate.

Clinical outcomes included Jemt papilla index scores, papilla height (measured using standardized intraoral photography and STL files), and crestal mucosa thickness. Measurements were obtained at baseline (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), two weeks postoperatively (T2), and six months after prosthetic restoration (T3).

The primary hypothesis was that combining flap techniques with dGG would result in superior papilla fill and long-term tissue stability compared with flap-only or incision-only techniques. Statistical analyses confirmed that the mLPPF+dGG group demonstrated significantly higher Jemt scores, papilla height, and crestal mucosa thickness from the early postoperative period through the six-month follow-up. Moreover, strong positive correlations were identified between papilla height and crestal mucosa thickness, supporting the biological interplay between vertical mucosal thickness and papillary stability.

The trial provides randomized controlled evidence that the use of de-epithelialized gingival grafts in combination with pedicle flap surgery is a predictable and effective method for peri-implant papilla reconstruction, with potential implications for clinical practice in esthetically demanding cases.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants were eligible for inclusion if they:

• Were between 22 and 45 years of age
• Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
• Had good periodontal health defined as full-mouth bleeding on probing scores, with <10%
• Had a single missing tooth in the maxillary anterior or premolar region with both neighbouring teeth present
• Had peri-implant papilla loss defined as JEMT score <3

Exclusion criteria

• Participants were excluded if they:

• Were smokers
• Had any systemic condition that could potentially influence study outcomes or implant success, such as diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, or a history of radiotherapy
• Were undergoing pharmacological treatment that could affect the results, including the use of bisphosphonates, immunosuppressive agents, or regular analgesic medications
• Had clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis