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Impact of different surgical protocols on dimensional changes of free soft tissue autografts: A randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Arzouman Akemi,
Deas David E.,
Mills Michael P.,
HuynhBa Guy,
Prihoda Thomas J.,
Mealey Brian L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1002/jper.20-0033
Subject(s) - medicine , periosteum , surgery , soft tissue , molar , shrinkage , gingival margin , free flap , significant difference , randomized controlled trial , free flap reconstruction , dentistry , machine learning , computer science
Background To determine if there is a difference in the amount of shrinkage during healing of free soft tissue autografts (FSTAs) using different surgical techniques—suturing the vestibular flap margin apically to the base of the recipient bed versus leaving the flap margin free and unsutured. Methods Twenty‐eight patients with mucogingival defects requiring FSTAs were recruited and enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into test and control groups (14 per group) and received ≥1 FSTAs on non‐molar mandibular teeth. In the test group the mucosal flap margin was sutured apically to the periosteum at the base of the graft; whereas, the mucosal flap margin in the control group was left free. Graft dimensional measurements were taken at time of surgery, then at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐surgery. Results Thirty‐five grafts were performed (15 test, 20 control). All FSTAs experienced vertical shrinkage after 6 months, but there was no significant difference ( P = 0.51) in the mean amount of shrinkage after 6 months between the test (23.20% ± 20.88%) and control (21.10% ± 21.88%) groups. There was significantly greater horizontal shrinkage in the test (loss of 7.59% ± 10.20%) compared with the control (small gain of 0.32% ± 4.20%) group ( P = 0.01). Conclusions The findings suggest that there is similar vertical shrinkage when performing FSTA surgery when the mucosal flap margin is left free and unsutured when compared with leaving the flap margin free.