The use of collagen in oral surgery

The suitability of collagen as a biomaterial for soft tissue temporary cover or implantation is discussed. Current methods used to cover areas denuded of mucosa in the mouth using split skin, mucosa and dermal autografts are examined. The properties of an ideal mucosal graft are stated and the suitability of a collagen heterograft in the form of freeze dried, chemically treated pigskin is questioned. A collagen xenograft has been used as a biological cover for areas of the mouth where soft tissue has been excised, for example, a denture irritation hyperplasia or leukaplakia and when increased wound strength or support is required to enable a wound to heal satisfactorily for example an oroantral communication. The results of the work are encouraging, demonstrating in most instances, satisfactory healing with no excess of granulation tissue, satisfactory mechanical properties in the early stages to resist the forces of mastication; a low rate of infection and no evidence of a hypersensitivity reaction to the modified foreign protein being evident clinically. Current adverse reactions seen after an injectable form of collagen is used are mentioned. A collagen xenograft would thus appear to satisfy many of the criteria of an 'ideal' biological cover and merits further critical examination.