The mucosa height has always been of interest in modern implant dentistry to obtain biomimetic results. Papilla height, mucosa scalloping, and free mucosal margin level are crucial to achieve “pink aesthetics”. The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical increase in the peri-implant soft tissues with a porcine cross-linked collagen matrix (Geistlich Fibro-Gide^®). Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into the following three groups: Group 1—patients who received porcine cross-linked collagen matrix for vertical soft tissue augmentation and a cover screw combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF); Group 2—patients who received the collagen matrix combined with a healing abutment and CAF; Group 3 (control group)—patients who received a traditional surgical approach based on crestal incision and no collagen matrix as well as no CAF. Results: The average horizontal tissue thickness growth after 3 months was more effective for Group 1 (1.35 ± 1.23 mm) compared to Group 2 (0.85 ± 0.67 mm) and the control group (0.20 ± 0.41 mm). The average tissue height growth was 1.05 ± 1.39 mm for Group 1, 0.32 ± 1.28 mm for Group 2, and −0.05 ± 0.39 mm for the control group. Finally, the average increase in the band of keratinized mucosa was 0.60 ± 1.23 mm for Group 1, −0.60 ± 0.94 mm for Group 2, and 0.45 ± 0.60 mm for the control group. Conclusions: The combination of the CAF, porcine cross-linked collagen matrix, and cover screw resulted in better clinical results compared to Group 2 and 3.

Background and Objectives: Adequate soft tissue thickness and keratinized mucosa are essential for the long-term health and esthetics of the peri-implant area. A porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) has shown promise in augmenting soft tissue, but reliable fixation remains a challenge. Materials and Methods: This case series describes the use of a PADM fixed with resorbable magnesium screws (NOVAMag^®) in three patients requiring peri-implant soft tissue augmentation. The grafts were stabilized with magnesium screws on the buccal side. The clinical outcomes were evaluated over a period of 3–6 months using STL imaging and direct measurements. Results: All patients showed an improvement in their mucosal volume and keratinization. The mean vertical increase in soft tissue was 0.87 ± 0.16 mm and the mean horizontal increase was 1.00 ± 0.13 mm. The mucosal thickness increased from a baseline value of 1.0–1.2 mm to 1.9–2.1 mm, and the width of the keratinized mucosa improved by an average of 1.0 mm. No complications were observed, and in all cases there was tension-free healing and esthetic results. Conclusions: A PADM in combination with resorbable magnesium fixation screws offers a predictable and minimally invasive solution to improve peri-implant soft tissue with favourable short-term volumetric and esthetic results.

Giorgio Tabanella, DDS, MS/Massimiliano Viale, PhD: This prospective controlled clinical trial investigated the possible correlation among mucosa thickness, mucosa height, and width of keratinized mucosa on the contour changes of the peri-implant soft tissue collar over a period of 12 months. Forty patients were selected to undergo implant placement. Impressions were taken with polyether impression material at delivery of the final restorations (baseline) and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Master casts were fabricated and scanned using an indirect digitalization. Baseline and corresponding follow-up scans were then virtually superimposed and matched. At 1 year, 20 patients who received the buccal pedicle flap showed an average thickness increase of 1.49 mm (ρs = 0.95; range: 0.01 to 2.56 mm), whereas the 5 patients who received a connective tissue graft at second-stage surgery reported an average thickness increase of 0.33 mm (ρs = 0.70; range: