Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Periodontology

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of the modified free gingival graft (MFGG) to augment the keratinized tissue around dental implants in the esthetic zone. Subject and methods:16 implants were placed in 16 patients; 8 implants for each group. The control group included 8 patients with no augmentation after implant placement, while the study group included 8 patients with the modified free gingival graft "MFGG" augmentation at the time of implant placement. The final restorations were fabricated and fixed at 3th month postoperatively and the pink esthetic score was assessed. Additionally, the change in keratinized tissue width and thickness were evaluated every 1, 3, 6 and 9 months.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in keratinized tissue width between the two groups at the baseline and throughout the all the follow-up period. In the current study, there was a significant increase in the mean keratinized tissue thickness at 2 mm level in both groups at the end of the follow up period. However, at 4 mm level at 9 months there was a statistically significant increase in the MFGG (study) group only. The current study did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups in the pink esthetic score.Conclusion: The MFGG is an effective method to increase soft tissue thickness around dental implants. The MFGG and the conventional implants placement without soft tissue grafting resulted in very good esthetic after 9 months follow up. The MFGG did not improve the keratinized tissue width in areas with sufficient amount of keratinization

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