A metabolically active dermal replacement (Dermagraft) for vestibuloplasty

This article describes the use of tissue-engineered dermal replacement in the vestibular extension instead of palatal donor tissue or (split-thickness) skin graft. In three patients the living human-derived fibroblast skin substitute (Dermagraft) was implanted on the wound surface after mucogingival junction and supraperiosteal dissection. Following application of Dermagraft, epithelial closure starting from the resection margins of the defect was observed, obviating further surgical treatment. Vestibular depth was increased and no scarring or frena occurred. Tissue-engineered dermal replacement consisting of living human fibroblasts appears to be a useful substitute for autogenous grafts in pre-prosthetic surgery, offering the advantages of unlimited availability, good colour match and no donor site morbidity.