Short-Term Case Reports Demonstrating the Use of Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix

A proper diagnostic and treatment planning process for dental implant rehabilitations should include a checklist of key factors to help clinicians avoid potential complications. Such a checklist should encompass evaluation of the soft- and hard-tissue volume buccal to each implant, as this has been shown to aid in maintaining marginal bone levels long-term. Thus, as part of surgical planning, a decision to augment the soft tissue should be considered. The autogenous palatal graft has long been considered the "gold standard" for soft-tissue augmentation; however, the benefits of this approach should be weighed against the potential complications associated with a secondary surgical site as well as the patient's desire for as pain-free an experience as possible. The volume-stable collagen matrix (VSCM) is a promising material with favorable healing characteristics and volume thickness maintenance of up to 3 years in current literature. This article presents two cases that demonstrate the clinical advantages of a VSCM over the use of autogenous palatal grafts as part of the authors' "10 Keys" principles of augmenting the volume and thickness of peri-implant tissues.