Evaluation of the efficacy of modified free gingival graft and connective tissue graft in improving the soft tissue before dental implantation

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Aim of study: Recent systematic reviews concluded that there is an association between insufficient peri-implant keratinocytes with greater plaque accumulation, signs of inflammation, soft tissue regression, and loss of attachment. Furthermore, the mucosa around the implants has a weaker immune response to external stimuli (plaque buildup)

Aim of study: Compare and observe the changes that occur in the soft tissue during the application of two methods of soft tissue grafts (modified free gingival graft and the connective tissue graft) in terms of thickness of the soft tissue.

Materials and methods 14 patients were chosen who had edentulous area in the posterior region of the lower jaw (28 surgical sites Where one of the sides was treated (randomly) by modified free gingival graft (the study group) and the other sides treated with connective tissue graft (the control group). The soft tissue thickness index was evaluated before surgery, after 1 month, after 3 months, and after 6 months.

Results: the results of the thickening index evaluation showed that there was a non-significant statistical difference after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months between the two study groups where it was (p-0.617 – 0.498, p-0.440).

Conclusion: Within this study limits, the modified free gingival graft can be consider as a good alternative for connective tissue graft, as it gives results similar to terms of increasing the thickness of the keratinized mucosa.

Keywords: modified free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, dental implantation, soft tissue.