Modified Kanzanjian transpositional flap technique for vestibuloplasty: A case report

Residual ridge is usually resorbed after extraction and is a challenging problem in fabrication of complete denture [1]. Most of the patients who require mandibular denture usually had atrophied mandibular ridges, but in some patients the bony foundation may even be larger; it is the presence of high muscle and membranous attachments which limits the usable areas for support. Hence, the patient may complain that the dentures are not comfortable and functionally acceptable. In dentulous patient, shallow vestibule and inadequate attached gingiva may create a barrier in oral hygiene maintenance and gingival recession due to muscle traction [2].

To present a clinical case of atrophied anterior mandibular ridge whereby performing modified Kazanjian transpositional flap technique, we could create a larger bony base that is capable of supporting and retaining a denture and to reposition muscles to expose more of the ridge of the jaw, so as to support prosthodontist for the fabrication of complete denture.

A 65yr old female reported with atrophied mandibular ridge to department of prosthodontics for complete denture and then was send to periodontics and oral surgery for vestibuloplasty. Technique selected for vestibuloplasty was modified kanzanjian transpositional flap technique with acrylic stent stabilized with stainless steel screws which was done to increase the vestibular depth.

Clinically by comparing the vestibular depth pre and post operatively, it was found that it increases from 7mm to 19mm using standard metal scale.

Vestibuloplasty involves surgical procedure for repositioning of mucosa and muscle attachment thereby increasing the vestibular depth. This incase of edentulous patients aids prosthodontist to deliver complete denture and incases of dentulous patient it supports to improve oral hygiene because we are dealing with unfavorable environment rather than a pathologic condition.