Is Flapless Implant Placement Procedures Better Than Conventional Flap in Partially Edentulous Patients”: Randomized Control Study

Background: Dental implants are a reliable rescue for edentulism. The dental implants had undergone various upgrades to improve the osseointegration. One of such is flapless implant placement. Aim: To assess the efficacy of flap vs flapless implant placement. Material and methods: A total sample of 20 implants were included which were randomly grouped into two based on the treatment they received; Group A (Control): 10 patients who are undergoing open flap implant placement surgery and Group B (Experimental group) included 10 patients who are undergoing flapless implant placement surgery. ISQ, Plaque index and soft tissue healing was assessed immediately and 2nd month follow up. Results: Group B exhibited statistically significantly higher mean ISQ value compared to Group A at baseline and second post-op month. Group B exhibited a higher mean plaque Index and soft tissue healing index values compared to Group A at baseline and second post-op month but not statistically significant. Conclusion: By avoiding the need for incision and flap reflection, maintaining the vascularity to the underlying bone, and reducing edema due to surgical intervention and its inflammatory mediators, flapless implant placement offers a promising role in implantology. This leads to a more stable soft tissue profile and higher implant stability following implant placement, as well as a more desirable aesthetic result.