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Soft-Tissue Augmentation During Implant Placement in the Aesthetic Zone: Clinical, Radiographic, Histological and
Louiza Papantonatou1, Leonidas Batas1, Antigoni Delantoni2
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Soft-tissue augmentation using connective tissue grafts or collagen matrix significantly increased soft-tissue thickness during dental implant placement. However, neither method prevented buccal bone remodeling, with comparable patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Periodontology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Aesthetic zone implant placement requires adequate soft-tissue volume.
- Soft-tissue augmentation (STA) aims to enhance soft-tissue thickness (STT).
- Comparing connective tissue graft (CTG) and volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) for STA is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical, radiographic, histological, and patient-reported outcomes of STA using CTG versus VCMX.
- To evaluate the efficacy of STA in increasing STT during implant placement in the aesthetic zone.
- To assess the impact of STA on buccal bone thickness (BBT) and patient morbidity.
Main Methods:
- A three-arm randomized controlled trial involving 25 patients.
- Allocation to VCMX, SCTG, or no augmentation (control).
- Assessment of STT (ultrasonography), BBT (CBCT), clinical parameters, PROMs, and histology at baseline and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Both VCMX and SCTG significantly increased STT compared to control (p < 0.001).
- BBT decreased significantly over time in all groups, with no significant inter-group differences.
- PROMs were comparable; CTG had slightly higher morbidity. Histology showed favorable integration of both materials.
Conclusions:
- STA significantly increases STT but does not prevent buccal bone remodeling.
- Both CTG and VCMX are effective for increasing STT compared to no augmentation.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and optimize STA techniques.
