The versatile "lip switch" or transitional flap vestibuloplasty combined with alveoloplasty and implant placement to treat atrophic mandibles with inadequate vestibules and attached tissue: A case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The edentulous mandibular ridge and associated shallow vestibule are often seen as a challenge in the oral rehabilitation of patients. Dental implants can provide an improvement in mastication and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to utilize a preprosthetic mucosal flap combined with a repositional periosteal flap concomitant with an alveoloplasty and placement of endosteal implants as a single-stage procedure in the anterior mandible. This approach provides a valued alternative for dental rehabilitation in patients with poor masticatory efficiency using a conventional denture.

METHODS: Eight patients underwent the preprosthetic surgical plan in the oral surgery clinic of the dental school during a 1-year period. Age, sex, preoperative, and postoperative vestibular depth, as well as hard and soft tissue elements were measured (P < .05) at 4-6 months.

RESULTS: Mean age was 53 years ± 14.62 (N = 8). Anterior mandible height was 19 ± 4.8 mm. A significant difference was measured using a two-tailed Student's t-test between pre- and postoperative vestibular depths, respectively (3.9 mm vs 10.5 ± 0.96 mm; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS: A lip switch vestibuloplasty combined with placement of two implants provide a one-stage procedure that is convenient, provides a shorter postoperative period, and can be financially affordable. Future research requires larger sampling to support this treatment as a standard of care.