Clinical evaluation of 3 techniques to augment keratinized tissue without root coverage

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• The necessity of keratinized tissue is debated, but surgical augmentation is indicated in specific clinical scenarios.
• Surgical procedures aim to increase keratinized tissue width without addressing root coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of three distinct surgical procedures in increasing keratinized tissue width.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of free gingival grafts, connective tissue grafts, and acellular dermal matrix for keratinized tissue augmentation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 45 patients with inadequate keratinized tissue.
• Patients were allocated to one of three surgical groups (15 per group): free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, or acellular dermal matrix.
• Keratinized tissue width was measured pre- and post-surgery for all participants.

Main Results:

• All surgical procedures resulted in a statistically significant increase in keratinized tissue width.
• Free gingival graft achieved a mean increase of 4.1 mm.
• Connective tissue graft resulted in a mean increase of 3.6 mm.
• Acellular dermal matrix led to a mean increase of 4.1 mm.

Conclusions:

• All three evaluated surgical procedures significantly increased the amount of keratinized tissue.
• Free gingival graft and acellular dermal matrix demonstrated comparable efficacy in augmenting keratinized tissue width.