OBJECTIVETo investigate the height of interdental papillae around single-tooth implants in the anterior maxillae after exposure of implant using crestal rotated flap.

METHODSThe study comprised 34 implants in the anterior maxillae from 32 patients. All implants were uncovered by use of crestal rotated flap technique. Impressions were taken before and after stage 2 surgery, and stone models were used to evaluate the change of papillae height. The gingival papillae index around single-tooth implants was compared before and after the surgery.

RESULTSThe average increase in papillae height was (0.77 +/- 0.25) mm, which was statistically significant with analysis of a paired t test (P < 0.05). The change of gingival papillae index showed no significant difference using statistical analysis of rank sum test (P > 0.05). The lower the gingival papillae index was before the surgery, the less the papillae height increased after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONSThe main advantages of the crestal rotated flap technique are simplicity and predictability, and it consistently provides high papillae for the maxillary implants.