An alternative method of fixation of alveolar ridge mucosa during the vestibuloplasty procedure.

The authors present a new design of splintage for fixation of the alveolar ridge mucosa following various vestibuloplasty procedures. From 1981-1987 50 acrylic buccal splints and 76 palatal splints were used, fixed by AO screws, in vestibuloplasty procedures. By using screws a controlled pressure equally distributed over the mucosa was achieved. The results demonstrate that screw fixation of the splints can avoid some of the common problems found especially with suture or nails. The acrylic buccal splint fixed by AO screws on to the alveolar bone is more convenient for the patient and produces a better operative result. The authors recommend it as the method of choice for submucosal and some modified submucosal vestibuloplasties.