Fascia lata allograft versus collagen membrane for increasing thickness of thin gingival phenotype with delayed implant placement: clinical and prospective evaluation

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate Fascia Lata Allograft versus Collagen Membrane in Increasing the Thickness of Thin Gingival Phenotype with Delayed Implant Placement. Methods: This randomized study was carried out on 16 patients aged from 20 to 40 years, with a presence of thin gingival phenotype (gingival thickness ≤ 1.5 mm), height of keratinized gingiva (HKG) at the selected site ≥ 2 mm, capacity to practice proper oral hygiene, as confirmed during recall appointments, and adequate mesio-distal and inter-occlusal space having an undamaged facial bone. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1: delayed implant placement with collagen membrane. Group 2: delayed implant placement with Fascia Lata Allograft ( FLA). Results: Age, sex, gingival thickness, percentage thickness change, and pink esthetic scores for mesial/distal papilla and soft tissue parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months (P >0.05). Conclusions: FLA and Collagen Membrane showed similar effectiveness in improving gingival thickness and esthetic outcomes around delayed implant placement, with comparable clinical performance in managing thin gingival phenotypes.