Abstract
BACKGROUND: Insufficient width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) leads to clinical attachment loss (CAL) and eventually periodontal destruction. Free gingival graft (FGG) is the gold standard to increase WKG but requires a second surgical site and poor esthetics outcomes. Hence, alternatives like collagen matrix (CM) have been developed. AIM: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of CM versus FGG in augmenting WKG in the lower anterior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with inadequate WKG were enrolled and allocated into two groups. Group I participants received augmentation of WKG using CM and Group II participants with FGG. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth, CAL, WKG, and gingival thickness were recorded at baseline, 3(rd) month, and 6(th) month. Plaque score was recorded at baseline and 6(th) month and wound healing index was recorded at 14(th) and 21(st) days. The parameters within the group and between the groups were compared using repeated measures of analysis of variance and independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean WKG of Group I and Group II in 6(th) month after augmentation was 3.88 ± 0.3 mm and 5.21 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The mean wound healing index for Group I and Group II measured on 21(st) day was 5.00 ± 0.1 and 2.50 ± 0.5, respectively, and the difference in the wound healing index was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both CM and FGG are suitable for increasing the WKG. FGG aided in a marginally greater increase in WKG than CM and healing was better with CM as compared to FGG.