TISSUE EXPANDER – A REVIEW

Aim:- To review the history, evolution and indications of tissue expanders as a treatment modality to expand resorbed alveolar ridges. Objective:- To investigate the relevance and success of tissue expanders in alveolar ridge augmentation for future placement of a prosthesis. Background and Reason:- Inadequate regeneration of soft tissue or bone may cause problems for dental implant surgery in patients. Tissue expansion is a relatively direct procedure. A tissue expander is a balloon-shaped device with a smooth elastomer shell, used to provide enough soft tissue closure for final implantation. It is capable of self-inflating due to the presence of hydrogel that undergoes osmosis to increase its volume constantly until the predefined form and size are obtained, which stimulates the growth of soft tissue. This growth of additional soft tissue by controlled overstretching reforms any part of the body, including tissue regeneration or organ repair. In cases of ridge augmentationtissue expanders provide adequate soft tissue coverage for the implantation of mi, ssing teeth. Advantages include the ability to resurface wider defects with neighbouring skin that is similar in colour and texture, high biocompatibility, high rate of success and low risk of infection. This review discusses the application of tissue expanders in surgical procedures and its significance in the future of dentistry.