Soft And Hard Tissue Evaluation Following Delayed Dental Implant Placement With and Without Porcine-Derived Collagen Matrix: A 4-Month Clinico-Radiological Study

Abstract

Background:Adequate peri-implant soft tissue dimensions are essential for maintaining long-term implant health and esthetics, particularly in patients with a thin gingival phenotype. This randomized clinical study was conducted to assess the effect of a porcine-derived collagen matrix on peri-implant soft and hard tissue parameters following delayed implant placement.Materials and Methods:Twenty-two patients with mandibular edentulous sites and gingival thickness <2 mm were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome measures were gingival thickness and keratinized mucosal width, whereas plaque index, gingival index, and crestal bone loss were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (n = 11) underwent delayed implant placement alone, while Group B (n = 11) received delayed implant placement with a porcine-derived collagen matrix. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks, and crestal bone loss was assessed radiographically at 12 and 16 weeks.Results:Clinical improvement was observed in both groups throughout the follow-up period. However, the group treated with the porcine-derived collagen matrix demonstrated significantly greater gains in gingival thickness and keratinized mucosal width, together with a greater reduction in gingival inflammation. Crestal bone levels remained stable in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between the groups.Conclusion:Within the limitations of this study, the adjunctive use of a porcine-derived collagen matrix during delayed implant placement resulted in superior peri-implant soft tissue outcomes without adversely affecting crestal bone stability. Therefore, the porcine-derived collagen matrix may serve as a predictable, minimally invasive option for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation.