[The results of increasing the thickness of soft tissues after using collagen matrices and connective tissue grafts]

To evaluate and compare the growth of gingiva around dental implants following the use of collagen matrices and connective tissue grafts (CTG).

The study included 80 study participants, who were divided into four groups based on the type of material used to enhance gingival thickness. Two groups utilized collagen matrices, Fibro-Gide and FibroMatrix as materials, while the other two groups utilized CTG obtained from the hard palate or tubercle area of the maxilla as controls. Measurements of gum tissue thickness were obtained before surgery and three- and six-months following surgery using three different methods: mucosa piercing with a spreader and ruler, digital impression, and comparison of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and digital impressions.

At six-months examination after the use of grafts from the palate and tubercle, there was a significantly greater increase in gum tissue thickness compared to the use of collagen matrices. The increase was 1.6±0.3 mm and 1.7±0.6 mm for palatal and tubercle grafts, correspondingly, compared to 1.3±0.4 mm for Fibro-Gide and 0.9±0.5 mm for FibroMatrix.

To increase the thickness of soft tissue it is recommended to use CTG from the tubercle or palate. If there is a lack of available donor areas, collagen matrices may be used as a substitute.