Evaluation of the Combination of Strip Gingival Grafts and a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix for the Treatment of Severe Mucogingival Defects: A Human Histologic Study

Predictable and effective surgical techniques that aim to increase the width of keratinized gingiva, relocate the mucogingival junction, and deepen the vestibule often involve soft tissue autografts; however, soft tissue autograft supply is limited and its harvesting is associated with patient morbidity. With a strip autograft and xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) technique combination, autograft harvest requirements and patient morbidity are reduced. In this histologic evaluation, 12 strip autograft/XCM biopsy samples were compared with 3 reference samples of palatal strip autografts. Tissue morphology, keratin, and collagen expression appear identical, indicating that the combined grafting technique provides desired and physiologically normal keratinized gingiva.