Flapped or flapless surgery for narrow-diameter implant placement for overdentures: advantages, disadvantages, indications, and clinical rationale.

Narrow-diameter implants for overdenture applications have gained in popularity due to their ability to be placed with simplified and less traumatic surgical protocols in limited-width alveolar ridges. The decision of whether to use a flapped or flapless procedure must be guided by a thorough evaluation and evidence-based diagnosis. This article reviews current principles relating to the use of narrow-diameter implants, along with the advantages and disadvantages of current surgical protocols.