Effectiveness of soft tissue augmentation using subepithelial connective tissue graft in comparison with free gingival graft and no graft for increasing the width of keratinized mucosa around dental implants: a meta-analysis

Abstract

The soft tissues around dental implants are important to prevent inflammatory peri-implant diseases and ensure the long-term survival of a dental implant. Periodontal plastic surgery has evolved from traditional mucogingival surgery, according to Zuhr et al as a result of the development of subepithelial connective tissue grafts/free gingival grafts. So, the aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of soft tissue augmentation using subepithelial connective tissue graft in comparison with free gingival graft and no graft for increasing the width of keratinized mucosa around dental implants. The review was according to PRISMA protocol. A comprehensive search of the specialized databases was performed to include the studies. Quality assessment and meta-analysis were carried out. 10 articles included. Two articles evaluated KTW with FGG and SCTG; FGG and no graft (3); SCTG and no graft (5). All the included studies assessed either primary or secondary outcome measures. In the end, it was concluded that for soft tissue volume augmentation, SCTG is a treatment choice for an increase in KTW at implant sites.