SOFT TISSUE EXPANSION FOR TENSION FREE CLOSURE OF FLAP DURING GUIDEDBONE REGENERATION – A CASE REPORT

The compromised alveolar ridges preclude the placement of dental implants. The major problem with the regenerative procedures like block grafting, guided bone regeneration is flap opening during the initial healing period and exposure of the regenerative compartment. There is necessity for the tension free closure of the flap without relieving the periosteum or mucosa is required for the successful regeneration. The self-inflating osmotic tissue expander (Osmed) is used to expand the tissue prior to augmentation procedure. This report elaborates about the use of self-filling osmotic expander in severely compromised alveolar ridge defect cases (combined defect) prior to the augmentation procedure. The report concludes that the self-filling osmotic expander is a valuable tool in the efficient management of soft tissues prior to augmentation of severely compromised alveolar ridge cases.