Evaluation of Changes in the Palatal Mucosal Thickness Post-augmentation using a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix- An Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Palatal augmentation is a unique approach that has been developed to increase the donor mucosal thickness and to procure sufficient dimensions of Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) during soft tissue augmentation around natural teeth and implants. Aim: To evaluate the relative changes in Palatal Mucosal Thickness (PMT) followed by augmentation with xenogeneic collagen sponge. Materials and Methods: This was an interventional study conducted on 16 subjects presenting with multiple gingival recession defects and also indicated for root coverage procedures at Department of Periodontology, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2017 to March 2018. PMT was measured using a customised stent at eight standardised points with respect to Canine (C), first Premolar (PM1), second Premolar (PM2) and first Molar (M1) located at 4 mm and 8 mm from the gingival margin. Xenogeneic collagen sponge was implanted at the donor site and postoperatively reviewed for two months. Changes in PMT were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 16 patients (12 male and 4 female; mean age 36.81±7.27 years) were recruited in the study. At two months, statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in mean thickness of the palatal mucosa was observed at all the study points (at 4 mm: C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.82±0.39 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.71 mm to 4.88±0.48 mm, PM2- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.06±0.65 mm and M1- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.24±0.43 mm and at 8 mm C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.47±0.51 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.41±0.61 mm, PM2- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.35±0.49 mm and M1- 5.65±0.60 mm to 4.76±0.43 mm). Conclusion: Xenogeneic collagen sponge implantation resulted in a significant increase in the thickness of palatal mucosa.

Keywords

• connective tissue
• graft
• gingival recession
• root coverage