Gain of keratinised tissue
Widening of attached gingiva prior to implant placement
Aim: Widening of the attached gingiva using Geistlich Mucograft® for complex implant rehabilitation prior to augmentation and implant placement.
Conclusion: The use of Geistlich Mucograft® for widening of the attached gingiva shows a good increase of width around teeth and implants comparable with autologous grafts – with significantly reduced morbidity by avoiding the palate wound. The shrinkage of the xenogeneic collagen matrix is higher than that of a free gingival graft (FGG), so an overextension of the preparation and matrix is mandatory. The colour match is excellent and much better than with a FGG.
Initial situation: partially edentulous lower jaw with inserting muscle fibres, ligaments and reduced width of attached gingiva prior to bone augmentation procedure.
Vestibuloplasty with split flap preparation and apically fixed flap. After removal of muscle, scar fibres and ligaments, Geistlich Mucograft® is fixed with single and cross-over sutures.
Migration of small blood vessels into the Geistlich Mucograft® collagen matrix 2 days after surgery.
Harmonic integration of Geistlich Mucograft® collagen matrix after 2-week healing period.
Situation 2 weeks post-operative after suture removal.
Completely incorporated Geistlich Mucograft® collagen matrix 3 months post-operative. The width of attached gingiva has increased.
Follow-up picture 3 months post-operative, occlusal view. Insertion of muscular fibres is situated apically of the intended bone augmentation.
View on the inside of the elevated flap during augmentation procedure demonstrating the gain of thickness with Geistlich Mucograft®.
