Evaluation of frozen subepithelial connective tissue grafts to increase the zone of attached gingiva. Report of 5 cases.
BACKGROUND
In the past decade, gingival tissue has been regenerated using subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SECT). This report presents the use of frozen subepithelial connective tissue (FSECT) for increasing the zone of attached keratinized gingiva (KG).


METHODS
Five cases, 4 females and 1 male, aged 55 to 73 years, presented with inadequate attached KG. The SECT grafts were harvested from the palatal flap during conventional flap surgery. All grafts were frozen immediately. Five weeks to 10 months later, the grafts were placed in areas in which patients had inadequate KG.


RESULTS
In all cases, healing was uneventful. All cases were followed up 3 months to 1.5 years. An increase of 1 to 3 mm of KG was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
These cases show that the FSECT graft is useful in treating mucogingival problems. Further randomized controlled trials over long periods of time are necessary to establish whether this procedure offers long-term benefits to patients.
Soileau
Kristi M
KM
Ministry of Health, Center of Oral and Dental Health, Ankara, Turkey.
Aydin
Betul Gofteci
BG
Davenport
William D
WD
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005615:Freezing; D005881:Gingiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010159:Palate; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000601:surgery; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014021:Tissue Preservation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014945:Wound Healing