Acellular Dermal Matrix Versus Tenting Technique in Peri-implant Soft Tissue Augmentation and Crestal Bone Stability

The ADM arm involved vertical soft tissue augmentation using an acellular dermal matrix. This process included the placement of a porcine dermal collagen graft (Mucoderm®, Institut Straumann AG, Switzerland) atop the dental implant site. The graft, measuring 15x20 mm, was hydrated in a 0.5% Metronidazole solution for 20 minutes before application, then trimmed and placed to extend 10 by 5 mm beyond the implant margins in both buccal and lingual directions. The primary wound closure was achieved using double mattress suturing with 6-0 Prolene (Ethicon, USA).

The Tenting Technique arm involved soft tissue expansion using a submerged healing abutment to promote soft tissue growth. After implant placement, 2 mm healing abutments were set on the implants. Flaps were mobilized using vertical releasing incisions, and tension-free wound closure was achieved with horizontal mattress sutures followed by suturing the incision line with interrupted sutures for primary and submerged healing. This method aimed to create a subepithelial healing space for soft tissue expansion and augmentation.