Esthetic Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation Using an Acellular Dermal Connective Tissue Allograft

UNLABELLED: Residual ridge defects present significant limitations to the esthetic restoration of edentulous tooth sites. Augmentation techniques can aid in the re-establishment of natural ridge contours. This article describes a technique in which an acellular dermal connective tissue allograft is used to augment a buccolingual residual ridge defect. A single vertical incision enables the allograft to be placed laterally into a buccal pouch. Augmentation of this edentulous site permitted a three-unit bridge to be placed with a highly esthetic pontic. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article presents a simplified method of esthetic ridge augmentation that reduces patient discomfort.