Clinical outcomes of free gingival graft vs. palatal pedicle graft in peri-implant soft tissue phenotype modification: A randomized controlled trial comparing patient reports.

BACKGROUND

The importance of peri-implant soft tissues in maintaining tissue health and aesthetics has been recognized. A thickness of at least 2 mm is considered a protective factor against peri-implantitis. This study assessed clinical outcomes and complications at implant sites following soft tissue augmentation with either palatal free gingival graft (FGG) or palatal pedicle graft (PPG).

METHODS

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 42 patients with inadequate keratinized tissue width (KTW) were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: Group 1 received FGGs, while group 2 underwent PPGs. The KTW, vestibular depth, and surface shrinkage were recorded preoperatively and one and three months after the operation. Patient-reported outcome measurements were recorded at a two-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients completed the study (FGG group, n=17; PPG group, n=18). Group 2 demonstrated a higher increase in KTW and vestibular depth at 1 and 3 months (<0.05). The surface shrinkage differences were not statistically significant between the study groups at baseline and three-month follow-up (>0.05). The number of analgesics in each group was not significantly different two weeks after the operation; however, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) showed significantly higher pain scores on days 3 to 8 in group 1 patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of PPG in soft tissue augmentation demonstrated more KTW formation and less postoperative morbidity. There was no difference between the methods used to compare surface shrinkage.