Buccal Fat Pad vs. Palatal Rotation Scarf Grafts for Soft Tissue Management Around Zygomatic Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BFP has a long successful history in oral surgery for its use in closure of Oroantral communication and taking advantage of the fact that it contains progenitor stem cells showing similar phenotype with (ASC) adipose-derived stem cells characteristics, which can similarly differentiate into the chondrogenic, adipogenic, or osteogenic lineage. Making them an invaluable reservoir for tissue engineering.

This technique uses tissue from the palatal area, which has a rich blood supply placed around the neck of the zygomatic implant aiming to protect the mucosal tissues buccal to the exteriorized implants from capillary compression and subsequent soft tissue recession. The palatal rotation scarf graft has been proven to provide a robust, resilient soft tissue flap with good potential for long-term stability and esthetic outcomes around implants.