The goal of this study is to compare clinical and histologically the soft tissue changes in terms of volume gain and stability around dental implants in cases where a subepithelial connective tissue graft from the palate or from the tuberosity is used randomly
Understanding the importance of the soft tissue around implants have lead clinicians to develop surgical approaches to augment it. The majority of them, are described as bilaminar techniques obtaining a subephitelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) from the palate (P). However, recent studies have demonstrated that tuberosity (T) tissue is a very dense and coarse tissue that seems to contain more collagen and less fat and glandular tissue than that from the P, and therefore may have better tissue qualities for soft tissue augmentation, but there is limited scientific evidence comparing these areas. The main goal of this study is to compare the soft tissue volume gain and stability around implants in cases where a SCTG of the same dimensions from the P or T is used randomly. To calculate volume changes and stability an intraoral optical scan is used and three-dimensional images superimposed. The secondary goal is to compare histologically both tissues and changes in clinical parameters. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry evaluating levels of Type I-III collagen, long lysyl hydroxylase, matrix metalloproteinase 1-2, and monoclonal antibody against cytokeratin 4-10-13 is performed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
32
Recipient site: Intrasulcular incision at the buccal side of the implant extending in one adjacent tooth for each side and a partial-thickness mucosal flap raised. The connective tissue was secured with suture. Allocation to either treatment was performed according to a randomization table. Donor site A double-bladed scalpel handle 1,5mm was used in both areas to obtain the same thickness. Palate (CG) The double incision was made approximately 2 to 3 mm apical to the gingival margins of premolars. The donor tissue was removed and cross-mattress sutures were used to approximate the wound on the palate. In both groups the epithelial collar removed. Graft required dimensions for both groups:10mm height, 12mm length and 1,5mm thick.
Recipient site: Intrasulcular incision at the buccal side of the implant extending in one adjacent tooth for each side and a partial-thickness mucosal flap raised. The connective tissue was secured with suture. Allocation to either treatment was performed according to a randomization table. Donor site A double-bladed scalpel handle 1,5mm was used in both areas to obtain the same thickness. Tuberosity (TG) The double incision was made from the distal of the terminal tooth. A second incision was made perpendicular to the linear incision at a distal point, which joined the two linear incisions. The graft was removed and a crossed horizontal suspension suture was used. Epithelial collar removed. Graft required dimensions for both groups:10mm height, 12mm length and 1,5mm thick.
Soft tissue volume gain
Following soft tissue augmentation procedure volume gain is registered using intraoral optical scan. Superposition between three dimensional images from baseline (before augmentation procedure) and 3 months postoperative is done.
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months postoperative
Soft tissue stability
To evaluate soft tissue stability an intraoral optical scan is performed at 4 and 12 months postoperative. Also a superimposition between 4 months and 12 months optical images is done.
Time frame: 4 months postoperative to 12 months postoperative
Histology
Descriptive histology and immunohistochemistry evaluating: Type I-III collagen, long lysyl hydroxylase, matrix metalloproteinase 1-2, and monoclonal antibody against cytokeratin 4-10-13.
Time frame: Baseline
Clinical periodontal parameters Plaque Index and Bleeding on probing
Plaque index, bleeding on probing expressed as a full mouth %.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 4 months, 12 months
Clinical periodontal parameters.Probing depth
Probing depth expressed in mm. Evaluated at implant and adjacent teeth. At Mesial, distal, buccal, lingual, mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, distobuccal and distolingual levels.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 4 months, 12 months
Clinical periodontal parameters. Width of keratinized tissue
Width of keratinized tissue expressed in mm, evaluated at medial point at implant and adjacent teeth one.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 4 months, 12 months
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Intraoral optical scan was performed at both groups at baseline, 3 months, 4 months and 12 months to be able to compare volumetric changes.