Clinical evaluation of a new collagen matrix (Mucograft prototype) to enhance the width of keratinized tissue in patients with fixed prosthetic restorations: a randomized prospective clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to test a new collagen matrix (CM) aimed to increase keratinized gingiva/mucosa when compared with the free connective tissue graft (CTG).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This randomized longitudinal parallel controlled clinical trial studied 20 patients with at least one location with minimal keratinized tissue (<or=1 mm).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The 6-month width of keratinized tissue. As secondary outcomes, the aesthetic outlook, the maintenance of periodontal health and the patient morbidity were assessed pre-operatively at 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months, the CTG attained a mean width of keratinized tissue of 2.6 (0.9) mm, while the CM was 2.5 (0.9) mm, these differences being insignificant. In both groups, there was a marked contraction (60% and 67%, respectively) although the periodontal parameters were not affected. The CM group had a significantly lower patient morbidity (pain and medication intake) as well as reduced surgery time.

CONCLUSIONS

These results prove that this new CM was as effective and predictable as the CTG for attaining a band of keratinized tissue, but its use was associated with a significantly lower patient morbidity.