• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.301-311
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• 2009

Statement of problem: Flapless implant surgery using a soft tissue punch device requires a circumferential excision of the mucosa at the implant site. To date, Although there have been several reports on clinical outcomes of flapless implant surgeries, there are no published reports that address the appropriate size of the soft tissue punch for peri-implant tissue healing. Purpose: In an attempt to help produce guidelines for the use of soft tissue punches, this animal study was undertaken to examine the effect of soft tissue punch size on the healing of peri-implant tissue in a canine mandible model. Material and methods: Bilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandibles of six mongrel dogs. After a three month healing period, three fixtures (diameter, 4.0 mm) were placed on each side of the mandible using 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm soft tissue punches. During subsequent healing periods, the peri-implant mucosa was evaluated using clinical, radiological, and histometric parameters, which included Gingival Index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, marginal bone loss, and vertical dimension measurements of the peri-implant tissues. Results: The results showed significant differences (P <0.05) between the 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm tissue punch groups for the length of the junctional epithelium, probing depth, and marginal bone loss during healing periods after implant placement. When the mucosa was punched with a 3 mm tissue punch, the length of the junctional epithelium was shorter, the probing depth was shallower, and less crestal bone loss occurred than when using a tissue punch with a diameter $\geq$ 4 mm. Conclusion: Within the limit of this study, the size of the soft tissue punch plays an important role in achieving optimal healing. Our findings support the use of tissue punch that 1 mm smaller than implant itself to obtain better peri-implant tissue healing around flapless implants.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.349-353
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• 2007

Mucocele is a clinical term of the localized superficial mucosal swelling caused by salivary retention after the obstruction or the rupture of minor salivary ducts. Various treatment methods have been suggested to lower its recurrence rate, including complete excision of lesion Biopsy punch can be used easily and simply for complete excision of mucocele. It has several advantages, such as convenience in use, low bleeding tendency, and nearly no requirements for post-operative management. In this case, biopsy punch was used for the removal of mucocele in an uncooperative child, which enable fast, simple and safe procedure, with a good result.