Abstract: Objective: To explore the application and the clinical outcome of palatal roll connective tissue flap technique in the esthetic zone implantation. Methods: Twenty-six patients,presenting a labial flat or concave profile in esthetic zone before second-stage surgery, underwent soft tissue augmentation using the palatal roll connective tissue flap technique. "H" incisions were operated on top of the alveolar ridges, with the two full-thickness papilla-sparing vertical incisions and a split-thickness horizontal incision. Labial mucoperiosteal pedicle flap tipped with a palatal connective tissue flap was formed. Then the palatal split-thichness flap was rolled on the buccal aspect. Papilla around the implant was shaped with healing abutment. Final crown was loaded after 2-4 weeks and the labial soft-tissue change was measured after 6 months. Results: All the implants were stable, and the improvement of labial soft tissue fullness was 1.10±0.45mm with symmetrical gingival margin and satisfied outline. The distance of papillae top to crown interproximal contact point was 2.05 ± 0.76mm. Conclusion: The palatal roll connective tissue flap has the potential to augment the labial soft-tissue before second-stage surgery in the esthetic zone implantation.

Key words: Dental implant, Palatal roll connective tissue flap, Esthetic zone