Konstantinova D, Djongova E, Arnautska H, Georgiev T, Peev S, Dimova M. J of IMAB. 2015 Oct-Dec;21(4):964-968.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5272/jimab.2015214.964

The purpose of the investigation is to introduce a method of vestibuloplasty for edentulous jaws by which the dentures are better held in place and retained. The use of mucoderm® with early insertion of the prostheses subsequent to surgical manipulation shows excellent results.

Abstract

Experience reveals that preliminary surgical correction is quite often expedient in mounting dentures for edentulous jaws.
The purpose of the investigation is to introduce a method of vestibuloplasty for edentulous jaws by which the dentures are better held in place and retained. The use of xenoderm grafts with early insertion of the prostheses subsequent to surgical manipulation shows excellent results.

Materials and methods

Patients were divided into two groups – with the first group the prosthesis was made prior to surgery and placed on the 7th day after removal of sutures. With the second group the prostheses were made following a complete healing of soft tissue, i.e. 1 month after surgery. With both groups xenoderm grafts (mucoderm®) were applied to cover the open wound surface area.

Results

The post-operative period for both groups of patients proceeded normally and without complications. For the group with early prosthetic loading due to the method of vestibuloplasty it was possible to maintain the depth of the vestibule.

Conclusions

The method proposed by the authors using mucoderm® and early loading on the newly-formed vestibule has proved a success and implies further in-depth application with larger group of patients.

Technique for vestibuloplasty: Horizontal mucosal incision in the mucogingival line was carried out. In depth the incision reached the periosteum, followed by dissection of the mucosal flap from the lip base. The separated mucosal flap was then pulled to the base of the newly-formed vestibule and was stitched to the periosteum.
The exposed periosteal wound surface area of the alveolar ridge was covered with mucoderm®, which was then rigidly fixed by sutures in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of displacement and to provide optimal conditions for its integration.

Findings for mucoderm®: Vestibuloplasty with mucoderm® combined with early prosthetic loading led to good clinical results that maintained the depth of the vestibule. The operative field was free of decubitus and scarring, exerting normal mucosa and the postsurgical vestibular depth was preserved, in comparison to the second group.