How do I manage soft tissue and suture for FP1 success?
FP1 tissue management is the opposite of FP3. In FP3 the tissue is matted and pulled down to create a flat, hygienic platform. FP1 benefits from an esthetic tissue drape that is coaxed coronally through a vertical suturing technique. Resorbable sutures pull tissue into the interproximal area and loop over the embrasures.
The single most important enabler is space for the tissue to grow. Without adequate intaglio room, the tissue simply dies back. The keys to success from the Handbook:
| Key | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opened intaglio embrasure design | Gives the interproximal tissue triangle room to grow and avoids tissue pressure. |
| Preserve interdental bone | Supports the papillae and the overlying soft tissue. |
| Careful chairside conversion | Must preserve, and even leave open, the intaglio triangle during conversion. |
| Vertical suturing | Pulls tissue coronally to create scalloping and maximize papilla growth potential. |
A recurring intraoperative decision is whether to adjust the prosthesis or adjust the bone to achieve a passive seat. This is a delicate balance, and embrasures are left open whenever possible to support vertical growth.
Scallop guidance: dedicated scalloping guides are ordered in roughly 5% of cases, useful when bone is uneven or vertical augmentation is needed. In most cases the clinician uses the provisional prosthesis itself as the guide, test-fitting and removing bone until full seating is achieved, which pairs well with ROE's adjustment-marked model. When more aggressive or precise modification is required, the dedicated scalloping guide is available.
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Contact Information
For immediate chairside support or troubleshooting assistance, contact ROE Dental Laboratory:
- Phone: (216) 663-2233
- Email: info@roedentallab.com