Fascia lata allograft versus subepithelial connective tissue graft for peri-implant mucosal augmentation at implant placement: a randomized pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES

To compare fascia lata allograft (FLA) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for peri-implant mucosal augmentation performed simultaneously with implant placement.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, examiner-blinded pilot clinical trial enrolled 16 patients requiring single-tooth implant placement with a thin peri-implant soft-tissue phenotype. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to SCTG or FLA. The primary outcome was peri-implant mucosal thickness (PMT) measured by using a customized stent-guided transmucosal method at standardized buccal reference points. Secondary outcomes included keratinized mucosal width (KMW), postoperative pain (VAS), and modified wound healing index (MWHI). Follow-up was 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in PMT and KMW over time. Between-group differences were generally non-significant, except localized PMT differences at the intermediate reference level, favoring SCTG at later visits. FLA showed lower postoperative pain at selected time points. Healing outcomes were comparable.

CONCLUSION

Both SCTG and FLA were effective for peri-implant mucosal augmentation. FLA may represent a viable alternative that avoids donor-site morbidity. Larger long-term trials are required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FLA can be considered a viable alternative for enhancing peri-implant mucosal thickness around simultaneously placed dental implants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04679922, registered on December 22, 2020, and retrospectively registered.