Autologous Fat Grafting Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for Volume Augmentation

Soft Tissue Volume Augmentation of Localized Horizontal Ridge Defects Using Autologous Fat Grafting Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous fat as a grafting material for soft tissue volume augmentation of localized horizontal ridge defects in humans.

A total of 20 patients having 26 localized horizontal ridge defects were recruited for the study from the patient pool at the dental clinics of the faculty of dentistry, Alexandria University. Ridge defects were divided into two parallel groups:

Test group: localized ridge defects were augmented using autologous fat grafting Control group: localized ridge defects were augmented using conventional subepithelial connective tissue graft.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients had at least one localized horizontal ridge defect in a single tooth gap requiring soft tissue volume augmentation.
2. Teeth in the defect area have been extracted at least 3 months prior to enrolment
3. All patients were systemically healthy
4. Patients were non-smokers
5. Patients had abdominal fat accumulation allowing liposuction
6. Ability to understand the nature of the proposed surgery and ability to sign an informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

1. General contra-indications to surgical procedures
2. Pregnancy
3. Systemic diseases like Diabetes Mellitus and autoimmune diseases
4. History of malignancy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy within the last 5 years
5. Concurrent medication affecting mucosal healing in general (e.g. steroids, large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs)