Collagen Matrix Vascularization in a Peri-Implant Vestibuloplasty Situation Proceeds Within the First Postoperative...

Vestibuloplasty is a frequently performed surgical procedure to create or increase soft tissue mucosal sealing around dental restorations. Collagen matrices have exhibited comparable clinical results as free gingival grafts in the context of intraoral tissue augmentation. However, the process of matrix vascularization, the basic requirement for local healing, is incompletely understood. Therefore, this study investigated collagen matrix perfusion in a clinical intraoral setting.

In a prospective cohort study, vestibuloplasty was performed during implant exposure using prefabricated collagen matrices. Matric perfusion was determined intraoperatively and at days 2, 5, 7, 14, 30, and 90 using a laser Doppler spectrophotometer measuring oxygen saturation, relative amount of hemoglobin, blood flow, and blood velocity as primary outcome variables. These parameters were compared with perfusion of the oral mucosa surrounding the matrices. Statistical analysis was performed by applying variance and regression models.

In 10 patients (average age, 60.9 yr), vestibuloplasty was performed exclusively in the anterior mandible. Blood flow and tissue oxygen saturation in the augmented zones markedly increased until postoperative day 5 and approximated perfusion values of the adjacent mucosa at the following 2 time points. Likewise, matrix oxygen saturation markedly increased until day 7 and subsequently converged to perfusion parameters of the surrounding mucosa at the following time points.

Flow signals in incorporated collagen matrices occurred on day 2 after vestibuloplasty and further increased until days 5 to 7. Therefore, matrix perfusion mainly occurs within the first postoperative week, converging to perfusion levels of the surrounding mucosa with minimal alterations during the following course.