A modification of the connective tissue graft procedure for the treatment of type II and type III ridge deformities.

Various grafting procedures have been developed for reconstruction of partially edentulous ridge deformities prior to prosthetic rehabilitation. The majority of these procedures have been applicable to reconstruction of Type I (buccolingual) ridge deformities. Type II and Type III defects present a more difficult challenge because of the need for apicocoronal augmentation and replacement of greater volumes of lost tissue. The onlay and subepithelial connective tissue grafts have been predominately used for the treatment of these type of defects, however, each procedure presents certain limitations. This report describes a simple modification of the connective tissue graft that enhances its ability to augment tissue for Type II and Type III deformities. The technique is an effective and predictable procedure for advanced ridge deformities.