Assessment of Soft Tissue Thickness Over Zygomatic Implants in Atrophied Maxilla Covered With Buccal Fat Pad vs. Palatal Pedicle Flap

Background and Rationale The rehabilitation of the severely atrophied maxilla utilizing zygomatic implants is a highly predictable and effective treatment modality. However, managing the peri-implant soft tissue in these complex cases remains a significant clinical challenge. Because zygomatic implants frequently emerge through thin, non-keratinized, and mobile alveolar mucosa rather than thick, attached gingiva, the peri-implant environment is highly susceptible to complications. Inadequate soft tissue thickness can lead to mucosal recession, exposure of the implant collar, plaque accumulation, and ultimately peri-implantitis, which threatens the long-term success of the prosthesis. To mitigate these risks and achieve an optimal permucosal seal, soft tissue augmentation is often required. Vascularized soft tissue grafts are preferred in these compromised anatomical sites due to their r