One-Year Outcomes of a Piscine Soft Tissue Alternative Used in Mucogingival Procedures: A Clinical Case Series.

Abstract

The free gingival graft (FGG) has been used predictably for gingival procedures aimed to increase the width of keratinized tissue (KT). Several soft tissue alternatives, such as xenografts and allografts, have been studied and proven to be successful with varying degrees. This pilot clinical case series evaluated the efficacy, safety, and initial clinical outcomes (measuring KT width) of a piscine xenograft material (Omega3 Wound, Kerecis) compared to the FGG (harvested from the patient palate) in correcting mucogingival deformities around teeth. A convenience sample of six subjects with unilateral or bilateral lack of KT were enrolled in the study. The primary objective of this pilot study was to determine the gain in width of KT. Secondary objectives included investigating the probing depth, recession depth, bleeding on probing, and inflammation score. There were three FGG sites and six xenograft sites. In bilateral-site treatments, FGG or piscine xenograft were randomly assigned. For unilateral sites, the piscine xenograft was used. Postoperatively, the patients returned for follow-up at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 52 weeks. All six subjects completed the 12-month study and reported uneventful healing. On average, the xenograft sites had a 3.25-mm gain in KT width, and the FGG had an average gain of 3.67 mm. This pilot clinical series showed the piscine xenograft to be safe and efficacious during healing and to increase the width of KT. Future studies may include a more robust study design with a greater number of subjects.