Effectiveness of a porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix for peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation: A prospective study

Adequate peri-implant soft tissue is essential for functional and aesthetic success. Autologous grafts are effective but limited by morbidity. This study assessed a porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) for anterior maxillary soft-tissue augmentation. 31 patients with implants in the anterior maxilla underwent PADM grafting. Keratinized gingival thickness, width (KGW), zenith–incisal edge distance, and shrinkage rate were measured at baseline (T0), immediate postoperative (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3). Aesthetic outcomes were assessed with the pink aesthetic score, and pain with a numeric rating scale. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. keratinized gingival thickness increased from 0.69 ± 0.30 mm at T0 to 2.40 ± 0.63 mm at T1 ( P < .001), decreasing to 1.55 ± 0.41 mm at T3 but remaining above baseline. KGW remained stable. Zenith–incisal edge distance showed significant differences among time points (χ² = 31.31, P < .001). Shrinkage rates were 16.1% (T1–T2) and 33.1% (T2–T3). Pink aesthetic score improved from 5.6 ± 2.1 to 6.8 ± 2.2 at 3 months ( P < .05). Numeric rating scale pain declined from 2.7 ± 1.2 immediately post-op to 0.4 ± 0.5 after 1 week ( P < .001). No complications occurred. PADM is a clinically effective and esthetically favorable option for peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation in the anterior maxilla. It offers acceptable long-term tissue stability and excellent patient tolerance. However, postoperative tissue shrinkage remains a concern, warranting further investigation in controlled comparative studies.