The objective of this clinical study was to biometrically evaluate and compare the free soft tissue autograft and the split thickness apically positioned flap. The teeth selected had zones of minimal attached gingiva facially and had no evidence of interproximal bony defects. Facial pockets extended to or beyond the mucogingival junction.
APSTF were performed at 2 sites in each of 10 patients. 5 patients had mucosa at the margins, while the other 5 had keratinized gingiva at the margin. Acrylic templates were made to serve as a stable reference point. APSTF were performed with bilateral vertical releasing incisions. Flaps were sutured to the periosteal beds. Grafts were placed on the prepared recipient beds of the chosen side. perio pak was placed.. Exams at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks post-op.
Where the pre-op margin consisted of alveolar mucosa, a statistically significant difference was found in the amount of attached gingiva present 12 week post-op, when comparing the two procedures. The greater amount present was with the free graft procedure.
The results indicate that the presence of gingiva at the dentogingival margin preoperative may have influenced both the post-op amounts of attached gingiva as well as the degree of recession when comparing the two procedures.
To obtain the same as in the gingiva margin, the mucosa margin suggests the use of the free soft tissue autografts to attain the same results.
Compare Tables III and IV
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