Exploratory study on a novel minimally invasive tunnel like flap approach for orthodontic movement of dental implants

Objectives: To propose a new flap design that utilize a minimally invasive approach to move implants. We also propose a 3D method to track changes in implant position without the need for CBCT.

Materials and methods: Implants were inserted in two mongrel dogs then a minimally invasive tunnel like flap was made. Bone cutting around implants was done using piezotome device and orthodontic force was applied on the implants. For tracking positional changes of implants, an impression was taken then scanned with an identical implant copy inside. The pre- and post-treatment 3D images were then superimposed over each other to detect changes in implant position.

Results: Healing of the flap was rapid with minimal swelling and edema. The position of the interdental papilla was preserved maintaining optimal esthetic outcome. Implant pocket depth was maintained. Our 3D imaging method was able to accurately detect the movement that occurred in the dental implants after their movement with significantly higher resolution than CBCT (6 μm for this method versus 76-300 μm for the CBCT).

Conclusions: This flap can preserve the esthetic soft tissue contour of implants during orthodontic movement allowing rapid healing with minimum swelling and edema. Moreover, our proposed 3D method has many advantages over CBCT in tracking the movement of implants by being non harmful and cheap thus allowing several follow up points.

Clinical relevance: Orthodontic movement of implants can be required in cases of improperly placed implants or to intentionally place the implant in a certain position then altering it to avoid the need for bone grafting.