Amniotic Allograft, A Possible Alternative to Free Gingival Graft in Improving Attached Gingiva Width: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The significance of attached gingiva for the maintenance of periodontal health has been a topic of interest.

This study aimed to compare the amniotic allograft with a free gingival graft (FGG) to improve the attached gingiva width (AGW) around the teeth.

In this randomized control clinical trial study, 14 out of 28 patients in need of an increase in their AGW, were randomly assigned to the test group and received the amniotic allograft, while the other half as the control group were treated with a palatal FGG. The mean AGW, graft shrinkage and color match were assessed at various intervals (1, 2, 6 and 12 weeks) following the operation and the photographs were taken at these follow-up sessions. The level of pain was evaluated based on visual analog scale (VAS).

The AGW was not significantly different between the two groups in the 2, 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively (P=0.17, 0.73, 0.76 respectively). There was no significant difference in the amount of shrinkage between the two groups at different intervals (P=0.38, 0.57 and 0.52 respectively). The color match was superior (not significantly) in the amniotic allograft group in mentioned intervals (P=0.59, 0.31 and 0.18 respectively). All VAS pain scores in the test group were significantly lower than control group (P <0.05).

Application of the amniotic allograft could decrease the postoperative pain and discomfort, and effectively increase the AGW. Considering the disadvantages of FGG, the amniotic allograft can be considered as an alternative to FGG.