Augmentation of keratinized tissue using autogenous soft-tissue grafts and collagen-based soft-tissue substitutes at teeth and dental implants: Histological findings in a pilot pre-clinical study.

AIM: To histomorphometrically assess three treatment modalities for gaining keratinized tissue (KT) at teeth and at dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Dental implants were placed at the distal root areas 2 months later. After another 2 months, KT augmentation was performed at both distal (implants) and at mesial root (teeth) areas in the presence (wKT groups) or absence (w/oKT groups) of a KT band at the mucosal/gingival level. Three treatment modalities were applied randomly: apically positioned flap only (APF), free gingival grafts (FGGs) and xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCMs). A combination of the above produced six groups. Two months later, tissue sections were harvested and analysed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The median KT height and length were greatest at implants with FGG in both wKT (3.7 and 5.1 mm, respectively) and w/oKT groups (3.7 and 4.6 mm), and at teeth with FGG in wKT groups (3.7 and 6.1 mm) and with APF in the w/oKT groups (3.9 and 4.4 mm). The XCM and APF produced more favourable results at teeth than at implants. CONCLUSIONS: FGG was advantageous in gaining KT, especially at implants.

[Timing and surgery option of keratinized mucosa augmentation around implant site].

In recent years, clinicians have paid more attention to the biological and esthetic effects of the 2 mm keratinized mucosa width (KMW) around dental implant. How to increase the keratinized mucosa is the focus of clinicians. While the free gingival graft (FGG) is still the gold standard of keratinized mucosa augmentation, alveolar ridge preservation (ARP), connective tissue graft (CTG) and apically positioned flap (APF) can also be used to obtain more than 2 mm keratinized mucosa width when they are used before implantation, with implantation, within the implant-healing phase, with second stage of implantation or after rehabilitation according to different indications. This article comprehensively summarizes the influencing factors of timing and surgical procedures for keratinized mucosa augmentation, providing guidance for clinicians to treat peri-implant keratinized mucosa deficiencies.

Digitally designed stent-assisted soft-tissue management after jaw reconstruction: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: A digitally designed stent was invented to assist vestibuloplasty and free gingival graft (FGG) after jaw reconstruction. This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional soft-tissue management comprising vestibuloplasty combined with FGG and modified soft-tissue management using a digitally designed stent on the vestibular sulcus depth (VD), keratinised-tissue width (KTW) and peri-implant tissue health in patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent jaw reconstruction using a fibular flap, iliac flap, or onlay bone graft followed by implant-supported rehabilitation at the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between May 2019 and July 2022. Patients in the stent group received digitally designed stents following vestibuloplasty combined with FGG for peri-implant soft-tissue management. Patients in the control group underwent a conventional vestibuloplasty combined with FGG. VD and KTW were evaluated immediately after implant loading (T2) and 1 year after implant loading (T3), and the atrophy rates of VD and KTW were calculated. Peri-implant clinical parameters were evaluated at T3. Comparisons between the groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The effects of age, sex, primary disease, reconstruction type, reconstructed jaw and the number and location of implants on VD and KTW were evaluated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the atrophy rates of VD and KTW between the stent and control groups at T2 and T3 (both P ≥ 0.05). There were no significant differences in peri-implant clinical parameters between the stent and control groups at T3 (P ≥ 0.05). Reconstruction type, location of implants and primary disease influenced VD, and reconstruction type and age influenced KTW. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the maintenance of VD and KTW after jaw reconstruction between soft-tissue management using a digitally designed stent and the conventional method. Further, digitally designed stents do not affect peri-implant tissue health. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Digitally designed stents can simplify clinical procedures without adverse effects on peri-implant tissue health, but they do not promote keratinized mucosa augmentation and vestibuloplasty.

Palatal shield technique: a novel approach for improved donor site healing in mucogingival procedures - report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: Mucogingival surgery involving tissue grafts is commonly employed for cosmetic procedures like root coverage, and is increasingly applied in implant therapy to modulate peri-implant soft tissues and enhance implant survival. These procedures involve harvesting autologous connective or epithelial connective tissue, often from the palate or tuber maxillae. However, this can cause patient morbidity due to postoperative pain. Substitute materials, including animal-derived and xenografts, have been developed but lack qualities of autologous grafts. METHOD AND MATERIALS: To address postoperative discomfort, a novel technique, named "palatal shield," using composite resin stabilized on adjacent teeth's palatal surface is proposed as an aid to donor site healing after mucogingival procedures. Two cases are reported where this technique was successfully applied. The first case involves a 53-year-old woman undergoing free gingival graft surgery for peri-implant treatment. The second case features a 58-year-old man receiving subepithelial connective tissue graft surgery for root sensitivity. RESULTS: Ten days post surgery, both patients reported excellent postoperative comfort. The technique's effectiveness is highlighted in these cases, demonstrating its applicability in various surgical cases involving free gingival graft or connective tissue graft harvesting. CONCLUSION: The proposed "palatal shield" technique offers several advantages, including enhanced patient comfort, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising addition to mucogingival surgical procedures.

Coronally Advanced Entire Papilla Preservation (CA-EPP) Flap in the Treatment of an Isolated Intrabony Defect to Promote Buccal and Interproximal Soft Tissue Stability: Case Reports.

Surgical treatment of infrabony defects may result in gingival recession of the neighboring teeth. The aim of this clinical report is to describe a surgical technique to promote gingival margin stability in the treatment of infrabony defects at sites with a thin or medium gingival phenotype. A coronally advanced entire papilla preservation (CA-EPP) flap with a connective tissue graft (CTG) was executed in two different clinical cases. This technique substantially improved interproximal clinical attachment level and pocket closure, with no gingival recession. A CA-EPP flap using a CTG may promote gingival margin stability and can be recommended in regenerative periodontal procedures.

Keratinized tissue augmentation using collagen-based soft tissue substitute with/without epidermal growth factor on buccally positioned implants: a pilot preclinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of epithelial growth factor (EGF) with collagen matrix (CM) on the gain of KT for buccally positioned implants in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five dogs, four implants were placed buccally with the whole part of KT excision on the buccal side (two implants per each hemi-mandible). After one month, KT augmentation was performed: 1) free gingival grafts (FGG), 2) collagen matrix (CM) only, 3) CM soaked with 1 µg/g of EGF, and 4) CM soaked with 10 µg/g of EGF (n = 5 in each group). The experimental animals were sacrificed three months post-KT augmentation. Clinical, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS: The clinical KT zone was the highest in group FGG (5.16 ± 1.63 mm). Histologically, all groups presented buccal bony dehiscence. Regarding newly formed KT, no specific difference was found among the groups, but robust rete pegs formation in some specimens in group FGG. Histomorphometric KT height (4.66 ± 1.81 mm) and length (5.56 ± 2.25 mm) were the highest in group FGG, whereas similar increases were noted in the rest. The buccal soft tissue thickness at the coronal part of the implant did not exceed 2 mm in all groups. CONCLUSION: All groups presented increased KT zone, but FGG treatment was more favored. The addition of EGF to CM appeared not to enhance KT formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FGG treatment was more favorable to re-establish the KT zone than other treatment modalities.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Bioresorbable Xenogeneic Peritoneal Membrane vs Connective Tissue Graft in the Management of Gingival Recession Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of xenogeneic collagen membrane (XCM) derived from porcine peritoneum in combination with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the management of gingival recession defects and to compare the outcomes to those of connective tissue grafts (CTGs). A total of 12 systemically healthy individuals presenting with 30 isolated/multiple Cairo RT 1/2 gingival recession defects in maxillary canines and premolars were randomly treated either with CAF + XCM or CAF + CTG. Recession height (RH), gingival biotype (GB), gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and width of attached gingiva (WAG) were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patient perceptions of pain and esthetics and the modified root coverage esthetic score (MRES) were also documented. From baseline to 12 months, both groups showed a significant reduction in mean RH (CAF + CTG: 2.73 ± 0.79 mm to 0.33 ± 0.61 mm; CAF + XCM: 2.73 ± 0.88 mm to 1.20 ± 0.77 mm). At 12 months, CAF + CTG sites had a mean root coverage percentage (MRC%) of 85.60% ± 28.74%, whereas CAF + XCM sites had an MRC% of 55.13% ± 31.22%. CAF + CTG-treated sites had significantly better outcomes, with a greater number of sites achieving complete root coverage (n = 11) and higher MRES scores than the porcine peritoneal membrane group (P < .05).

Postoperative local interventions for the palate as a gingival graft donor area: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to systematically identify evidence-based interventions to stimulate healing or protect the harvested palate of patients undergoing gingival grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR (protocol available at osf.io/zhafn). PubMed, Embase, and seven other databases were searched on November 2022, with additional monitoring until April 2023. The inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating outcomes related to the donor area (palate) and interventions for healing or protecting it, regardless of publication year and language. Data from the included publications was extracted and presented through narrative text, tables, and figures. RESULTS: Eighty-one studies (including 64 clinical trials, four case series, five theses, and eight systematic reviews) and 37 clinical trial records were included. The number of studies on this topic has significantly increased, reflecting a growing interest in the field. Thirty-six interventions with published results and 12 interventions with unpublished results from clinical trial registers were identified. Some promising interventions that showed potential for improving patient-reported outcomes include cyanoacrylate adhesive, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and the combination of palatal stents and healing agents. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-six interventions with published results were identified for postoperative use on the harvested palate, showing varying levels of evidence and conflicting effectiveness for specific outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Postoperative discomfort and pain in the palate are commonly experienced by patients undergoing grafting procedures using this region as the donor area. Awareness of the available options and their levels of evidence is crucial for informed decision-making.

The effects of vertically coronally advanced flap and free gingival graft techniques on shallow vestibule: a randomized comparative prospective trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the influence of vertically coronally advanced flap (V-CAF) and free gingival graft (FGG) techniques on shallow vestibule depth (VD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted on 38 sites treated with either FGG or V-CAF. Periodontal variables (VD, recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue height (KTH), and tissue thickness (TT)), clinician- and patient-based subjective variables were assessed. RESULTS: All periodontal variables showed significant improvements in both groups at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Both groups increased VD compared to baseline. RC and CRC were similar after treatment for both techniques. FGG provided a greater increase in KTH (p < 0.001) and VD (VD1, p = 0.02 and VD2, p < 0.001) while V-CAF exhibited more TT gain (p = 0.002). Except overall tissue appearance that was better in V-CAF (p < 0.001), no inter-group significant difference existed in patient-based variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques were significantly effective in VD increasing. While both techniques were equally successful in RC, V-CAF provided higher TT gain and better tissue appearance. V-CAF can be chosen instead of FGG in the treatment of recessions with shallow VD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It can be recommended to prefer V-CAF instead of FGG in the treatment of shallow vestibule. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05777811 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid on palate pain scores and wound healing after free gingival graft: a quasi-randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid (HA) on pain scores and wound healing in donor sites after free gingival graft (FGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients requiring FGG were included in three groups: (1) control group (n = 14), no material was placed in the donor area; only the clot was kept in position by sutures; (2) placebo group (n = 14), vehicle gel applied 3 times a day for 7 days; and (3) test group (n = 14), gel containing green tea extract and HA applied 3 times a day for 7 days. The wound size by clinical measurement (WS-CM) and photographic image (WS-PI), complete wound epithelialization (CWE), and palatal mucosa color were evaluated after 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and analgesic consumption were used to assess participant's perception in the same postoperative periods. RESULTS: A similar progressive reduction in the wound size, associated with an improvement in the color pattern, was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found for CWE and pain assessment between the examined groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gel containing green tea extract and HA application in palatal wounds after FGG removal does not provide clinical healing benefits using this investigated protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first clinical study evaluating the effect of gel containing green tea extract and HA on the palate postoperative pain control and wound healing after FGG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov : NCT05270161.

Facial Contour Preservation of Anterior Immediate Single-Tooth Replacement With the Socket Shield Technique Versus Connective Tissue Graft: A Case Report.

The socket shield technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft following immediate implant placement with provisionalization had been advocated for peri-implant facial contour and gingival architecture preservation. This case report used three-dimensional volumetric analysis to longitudinally assess the peri-implant facial contour change before and after these procedures. The results demonstrated comparable and acceptable preservation of peri-implant facial contour between the two procedures after 2 years of function.

Comparative Evaluation of Recession Coverage Obtained Using the Pinhole Surgical Technique With and Without Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the pinhole surgical technique (PST) combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for the management of multiple recession defects compared to PST alone. Ten patients with 51 Miller Class I/ II or III gingival recessions were selected. Control sites were treated with PST alone, whereas test sites were treated with PST with PRF. Gingival recession depth (GRD), gingival recession width (GRW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), total soft tissue gain (TSTG), Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment. Both groups showed statistically significant root coverage. The mean recession coverage was 60.25% in the test group and 49.6% in the control group. The recession reduction from baseline was 2.50 mm for the test group and 1.88 mm for the control group. At the end of 6 months, all sites achieved adequate root coverage. PRF is a feasible alternative to connective tissue grafts as an adjunct to PST for the treatment of multiple recession defects.

Innovative i-PRF semisurgical method for gingival augmentation and root coverage in thin periodontal phenotypes: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on gingival thickness and gingival recession in individuals with thin periodontal phenotypes. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this prospective study, i-PRF was applied via a semisurgical method to augment 53 tooth regions with thin periodontal phenotypes. In order to ensure that sufficient blood clot formed on the side of the gingiva facing the bone and that i-PRF reached the area, a minimal incision was made with the help of a scalpel in the apical region of the relevant region, and the periosteum was elevated with a microsurgical instrument. To ensure sustained exposure to angiogenetic growth factors and enhance the histoconductive properties, i-PRF injection was applied to the relevant areas in four sessions at 10-day intervals. RESULTS: An increase in gingival thickness was achieved in 92.5% of the areas treated with i-PRF, and the desired gingival thickness (0.8 mm) was achieved in 44.9% of these areas. In addition, significant reductions in the amount of recession were observed in 83.3% of the 12 gingival recession areas (P = .005). Moreover, complete coverage was achieved in 60% of these regions. CONCLUSION: With the new i-PRF semisurgical method, it was shown that gingival thickness can be increased in tooth regions with thin gingiva, and that areas of gingival recession can be covered. Further comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the role of i-PRF in enhancing angiogenesis and the histoconductive properties of this fully autogenous blood concentrate.

Reabilitação estética anterior em abordagem multidisciplinar: relato de caso / Aesthetic rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary approach: case report

A estética tem um papel importante na aceitação e autoestima das pessoas e, em virtude disso, os pacientes buscam cada dia mais ter um sorriso harmonioso. As reabilitações estéticas devem envolver um planejamento completo, atrelando função e estética, avaliando tamanho dos dentes, perfil e alturas gengivais, altura do sorriso e corredor bucal. Por conta disso, a odontologia nos permite uma série de abordagens terapêuticas diferentes que chegam a resultados satisfatórios para o paciente. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever um relato de caso de uma paciente com queixa estética do seu sorriso devido à diferentes tonalidades, formas e tamanhos dos dentes. Após anamnese, exame clínico e radiográfico, o plano de tratamento proposto foi de harmonizações periodontal com aumento de coroa e enxerto gengival, além de coroas em cerâmicas de dissilicato de lítio. Dentro desse contexto, mostra-se que uma abordagem multidisciplinar para reabilitação estética e funcional do sorriso é fundamental, a qual nos proporciona equilíbrio e naturalidade entre estética branca e vermelha no resultado do tratamento reabilitador(AU)

Aesthetics plays an important role in people's acceptance and self-esteem and, as a result, patients increasingly seek to have a harmonious smile. Aesthetic rehabilitations must involve a complete planning, linking function and aesthetics, evaluating tooth size, gingival profile and heights, smile height and buccal corridor. Because of this, dentistry allows us a series of different therapeutic approaches that reach satisfactory results for the patient. Therefore, the present work aims to describe a case report of a patient with an aesthetic complaint of her smile due to different shades, shapes and sizes of teeth. After anamnesis, clinical and radiographic examination, the proposed treatment plan was periodontal harmonization with crown augmentation and gingival graft, in addition to lithium disilicate ceramic crowns. Within this context, it is shown that a multidisciplinary approach to the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the smile is fundamental, which provides us with balance and naturalness between white and red aesthetics in the result of the rehabilitation treatment(AU)

Pre-operative, chair-side Zn-containing surgical stents affect morbidity and wound healing after free gingival graft harvesting: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a pre-operatively, chair-side made, zinc-containing surgical stent (ZN) and suturing of a gelatin-based hemostatic agent (HA) on palatal wound healing and patient morbidity after free gingival graft surgery (FGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients requiring FGG were randomly divided into two groups to receive either a ZN or a sterile HA sutured on the surgical area. Patients were evaluated at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th, and 56th days following surgery. Overall surgical time, donor site surgical time, postoperative pain (PP), delayed bleeding (DB), changes in dietary habits (DH), burning sensation (BS), completion of re-epithelialization (CE), and patients' discomfort (PD) were evaluated. RESULTS: Donor site surgical time, PP, DB, DH, BS were statistically significantly lower in the ZN group together with faster completion of re-epithelialization compared to the HA group. CONCLUSION: Pre-operatively, chair-side made, zinc-containing surgical stents provided significant benefits for wound healing parameters and patients' postoperative morbidity after FGG harvesting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results show that using Zn-containing palatal stent after free gingival graft surgery significantly reduces pain and patient morbidity during the postoperative period.

Two-stage method of free gingival graft prior to periodontal regenerative surgery for the treatment of intrabony defects with insufficient keratinised tissue width: a study protocol for an open-label randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) combined with bone grafting for periodontal regenerative surgery has ideal clinical results for intrabony defect. However, some sites of intrabony defects often suffer from insufficient keratinised gingival width, which affects the efficacy and long-term prognosis of periodontal tissue regeneration. Free gingival graft (FGG) is an effective surgical procedure to widen the keratinised gingiva, but there are few clinical studies on FGG prior to GTR combination with bone grafting to improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: This study is an open-label randomised controlled trial. 68 patients with periodontitis with at least one intrabony defect depth with ≥3 mm are recruited and randomly grouped. In the test group, FGG is performed first, followed by GTR and bone grafting 3 months later; while in the control group, only periodontal tissue regenerative procedures are performed. After completion of all procedures, the patients will be recalled at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months and the relevant clinical and radiographic examinations will be carried out and statistical analysis of the data will also be performed. The present research has received approval from the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Stomatological Hospital (No.2022-007) on 4 August 2022. DISCUSSION: Exploring the effectiveness of the two-stage approach of FGG prior to periodontal tissue regenerative surgery for the treatment of keratinised gingival width deficient intrabony defects can provide a high-level evidence-based basis for the formulation of relevant treatment strategies in clinical practice. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The present research has received approval from the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Stomatological Hospital (No.2022-007) on 4 August 2022. The patients will be incorporated into this trial only after their written informed consent has been obtained. The study will be performed according to the 2013 revision of the Helsinki Declaration of 1975. Personal information of all subjects will be stored in the Department of Periodontology of Shanghai Stomatological Hospital. Data of the present research will be registered with the Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Additionally, we will disseminate the results through scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR 2200063180. Registered on 1 September 2022.

Clinical effectiveness of periosteal pedicle graft for the management of gingival recession defects-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of periosteal pedicle graft (PPG) in terms of root coverage and patient related outcomes. To the best of our knowledge this is the first systematic review with meta-analysis on PPG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed using electronic and hand searches upto January 2023. Primary outcomes were Recession depth Reduction (Rec Red), mean root coverage (mRC) and complete root coverage (CRC). Secondary outcomes were gain in width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Meta-analysis was performed when possible. The risk bias assessment was done using RevMan5.4.1 and Joanna Briggs institute scale for the included RCTs and case series respectively. RESULTS: A total of 8 RCTs and 2 case series (538 recession sites) were included based upon the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The follow up period ranged from 6 months to 18 months. Results demonstrated that mRC of PPG + Coronally advanced flap (CAF) was 87.7% for localized gingival recession defects (GRDs) and 84.83% for multiple GRDs. An overall gain in WKG (Weighted Mean =1.49 ± 0.27 mm) was observed among all the included studies in the PPG + CAF group with mean difference (-0.10 (95% CI [-0.52, 0.33], p = 0.66)). Sub-group meta-analysis comparing PPG + CAF with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) + CAF resulted in similar outcomes in terms of Rec Red (0.10 (95% CI [-0.56 to 0.77], p = 0.76)) and gain in WKG (-0.03 (95% CI [-0.25 to 0.18], p = 0.76)). In terms of PROMs systematic review revealed better patient satisfaction with PPG + CAF than SCTG + CAF. CONCLUSION: PPG + CAF is a viable treatment modality for management of GRDs. The primary and secondary outcomes achieved utilizing PPG + CAF were found to be comparable to other conventional techniques including the gold standard i.e., SCTG.

Three-dimensional changes of a porcine collagen matrix and free gingival grafts for soft tissue augmentation to increase the width of keratinized tissue around dental implants: a randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Emerging clinical data points to the relevance of the presence of keratinized tissue (KT). Although apically positioned flap/vestibuloplasty along with free gingival graft (FGG) is considered as a standard intervention for augmenting KT, substitute materials appear to be a viable treatment alternative. So far, there is a lack of data investigating the dimensional changes at implant sites treated with soft-tissue substitutes or FGG. AIM: The present study aimed at comparing three-dimensional changes of a porcine derived collagen matrix (CM) and FGG for increasing KT at dental implants over a 6-month follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 32 patients exhibiting deficient KT width (i.e., < 2 mm) at the vestibular aspect who underwent soft tissue augmentation using either CM (15 patients/23 implants) or FGG (17 patients/31 implants). The primary outcome was defined as tissue thickness change (mm) at treated implant sites between 1- (S0), 3- (S1), and 6-months (S2). Secondary outcomes considered changes of KT width over a 6-month follow-up period, surgical treatment time, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Dimensional analyses from S0 to S1 and from S0 to S2 revealed a mean decrease in tissue thickness of - 0.14 ± 0.27 mm and - 0.04 ± 0.40 mm in the CM group, and - 0.08 ± 0.29 mm and - 0.13 ± 0.23 mm in the FGG group, with no significant differences noted between the groups (3 months: p = 0.542, 6 months: p = 0.659). Likewise, a comparable tissue thickness decrease was observed from S1 to S2 in both groups (CM: - 0.03 ± 0.22 mm, FGG: - 0.06 ± 0.14 mm; p = 0.467). The FGG group exhibited a significantly greater KT gain after 1, 3 and 6 months compared to the CM group (1 month: CM: 3.66 ± 1.67 mm, FGG: 5.90 ± 1.58 mm; p = 0.002; 3 months: CM: 2.22 ± 1.44; FGG: 4.91 ± 1.55; p = 0.0457; 6 months: CM: 1.45 ± 1.13 mm, FGG: 4.52 ± 1.40 mm; p < 0.1). Surgery time (CM: 23.33 ± 7.04 min.; FGG: 39.25 ± 10.64 min.; p = 0.001) and postoperative intake of analgesics were significantly lower in the CM group (CM: 1.2 ± 1.08 tablets; FGG: 5.64 ± 6.39 tablets; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CM and FGG were associated with comparable three-dimensional thickness changes between 1 and 6 months. While a wider KT band could be established with FGG, the use of CM significantly reduced surgical time and patients´ intake of analgesics.

The effect of connective tissue graft or a collagen matrix on epithelial differentiation around teeth and implants: a preclinical study in minipigs.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to histologically evaluate the healing at 8 weeks after coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either a superficial (SCTG) or deep palatal connective tissue graft (DCTG), or a collagen matrix (CM) to cover recession defects at teeth and implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One mandibular side of 6 miniature pigs received each 3 titanium implants 12 weeks after extraction. Eight weeks later, recession defects were created around implants and contralateral premolars and 4 weeks later randomly subjected to CAF + SCTG, CAF + DCTG, or CAF + CM. After 8 weeks, block biopsies were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: For the primary outcome, i.e., keratinization of the epithelium, all teeth and implants exhibited a keratinized epithelium with no histological differences among them also not in terms of statistically significant differences in length (SCTG 0.86 ± 0.92 mm, DCTG 1.13 ± 0.62 mm, and Cm, 1.44 ± 0.76 mm). Pocket formation was histologically seen at all teeth, around most implants with SCTG and DCTG, however not in the CM implant group. The connective tissue grafts showed hardly signs of degradation, whereas the CM was partly degraded and integrated in connective tissue. The mean gain in gingival height was similar in all experimental groups (SCTG 3.89 ± 0.80 mm, DCTG 4.01 ± 1.40 mm, CM 4.21 ± 0.64 mm). Statistically significant differences were found in the height of the junctional epithelium between the control teeth and the connective tissue groups (p = 0.009 and 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model, the use of either a superficial or deep connective tissue graft or a collagen membrane did not seem to have any impact on the epithelial keratinization around both teeth and implants. All procedures (CAF + SCTG/DCTG/CM) resulted in a long JE that was even longer at implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Deep/superficial palatal connective tissue graft yielded similar keratinization around teeth/implants. Given the absence of pocket formation and inflammatory processes at implants when using a CM, CAF + CM might bear potential clinical benefits.

Living cellular constructs for keratinized tissue augmentation: A 13-year follow-up from a split-mouth randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A 13-year follow-up was conducted of a short-term investigation of the use of living cellular construct (LCC) versus free gingival graft (FGG) for keratinized tissue width (KTW) augmentation in natural dentition, to evaluate the long-term outcomes and assess the changes occurring since the end of the original 6-month study. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects out of the original 29 enrolled participants were available at the 13-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was the number of sites demonstrating stable clinical outcomes from 6 months to 13 years (defined as KTW gain, stability, or ≤0.5 mm of KTW loss, together with reduction, stability, or increase of probing depth, and recession depth [REC] ≤0.5 mm). Secondary outcomes included the assessment of KTW, attached gingiva width (AGW), REC, clinical attachment level, esthetics, and patient-reported outcomes at the 13-year visit, assessing the changes from baseline to 6 months. RESULTS: Nine sites per group (42.9%) were found to have maintained stable (≤0.5 mm or improved) clinical outcomes from 6 months to 13 years. No significant differences were observed for the clinical parameters between LCC and FGG from 6 months to 13 years. However, the longitudinal mixed model analysis showed that FGG delivered significantly better clinical outcomes over 13 years (p < 0.01). LCC-treated sites exhibited superior esthetic outcomes compared to FGG-treated sites at 6 months and 13 years (p < 0.01). Patient-evaluated esthetics were significantly higher for LCC over FGG (p < 0.01). Patient overall treatment preference was also in favor of LCC (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A similar stability of the treatment outcomes from 6 months to 13 years was found for LCC- and FGG-treated sites, with both approaches shown to be effective in augmenting KTW and AGW. However, superior clinical outcomes were found for FGG over 13 years, while LCC was associated with better esthetics and patient-reported outcomes than FGG.