Increasing the width of keratinized mucosa around endosseous implant using acellular dermal matrix allograft.

OBJECTIVES

To: (1) investigate the clinical efficacy of acellular dermal matrix allograft to achieve increased peri-implant keratinized mucosa around implants, and (2) evaluate the effect as to whether the increase of keratinized mucosa has a positive effect on oral hygiene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 10 male patients, ranging from 43 to 53 years of age, with attached gingiva < or = 2 mm on the buccal aspect included in this study. Acellular dermal matrix allograft was used to increase the keratinized mucosa on the buccal side.

RESULTS

The change of peri-implant pocket depth showed statistical differences among 3 measurements. The modified plaque index at 3 and 6 months showed statistical differences compared with the baseline measurements. The modified gingival index did not show any significant differences among all measurements. The width of peri-implant keratinized mucosa increased from a mean of 0.8 +/- 0.6 to 3.2 +/- 0.9 mm at 3 months and 2.2 +/- 0.6 mm at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the acellular dermal matrix allograft could be applied as a grafting material to increase the width of peri-implant keratinized mucosa. Its procedure appears to have some benefits for oral hygiene. Further randomized controlled trials over long periods of time are necessary to establish whether this procedure offers long-tem benefits to patients.