COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF INITIAL CRESTAL BONE LOSS AROUND DENTAL IMPLANTS USING FLAPLESS OR FLAP METHOD: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Purpose:The objective of this study was to compare the effect of flapless implant insertion on initial bone loss with that of conventional placement after elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap. Materials and Methods:Total of 20 implants were replaced in the edentulous area within the mouth randomly categorized under two groups which differ in flap or flapless surgical placement. Group 1(n=10) Patients with dental implants using flap method. Group 2 (n=10) Patients with dental implants using flapless method. To assess changes in the peri-implant bone level, the height of the mesial and distal peri-implant bone was measuredwith digital radiograph taken at the time of implant placement and 3month and 6month afterward. Results: The crestal bone loss on mesial side and distal side was higher in the flap elevation methods at baseline, 3month and 6month as compared to the flapless methods and the difference was statistically significant at the 3month. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can beconcluded that flapless implant surgery results in lesser lossof marginal bone and also results in better patient comforthowever, proper patient selection and technique is essentialfor a successful flapless implant surgery.