Multiple gingival recession coverage with an allogeneic biostatic fascia lata graft using the tunnel technique-A histological assessment

Background: Autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) that can be safely harvested from the palatal mucosa is limited. Often a multi-stage surgical procedure is needed to cover multiple gingival recessions (MGR). To address this problem, efforts are being made to explore substitutes suitable in size to ensure surgical treatment in a single visit The objective of the present study was the histological evaluation of tissue in the recipient site after augmentation with a hydrated biostatic Fascia Lata Allograft (FLA) in conjunction with MGR coverage at different healing stages. Material and methods: Twelve patients needing bilateral multiple gingival recession coverage participated in this study. On the test side, the tunnel technique with FLA was used, while CTG, harvested from the. palatal mucosa, was used to cover MGR on the control side. Histological assessment was performed 3,6, 9 and 12 months after augmentation. Results: FLA was well tolerated by the host tissue. During all investigation periods histological images of all patients in the test side revealed a slow process of incorporation of the material grafted in the host connective tissue, showing a colonization of the graft with host fibroblasts and formation of new blood vessels. After 12 months, the graft had fully remodeled into connective tissue of the host gingiva. Conclusion: Apart from the limitations of the present study, we conclude that the FLA may serve as a substitute for autogenous CTG harvested from the palatal mucosa and can be applied as a technique for covering MGR in a single visit. (C) 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.