Issue One 2019
2019, Vol. 6 issue 1, (April)
Original Article
Evaluation of postoperative results from the application of xenogeneic grafts (Mucoderm®) and after a mandibular vestibuloplasty
Abstract:
Aim: The aim of the present study is to clinically evaluate the role of xenogenic dermal grafts of animal origin for the purpose of covering the periosteum in frontal mandibular vestibuloplasty and thus allowing for early prosthetic loading.
Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with a completely edentulous mandible underwent pre-prosthetic surgical preparation, i.e. vestibuloplasty with Mucoderm® xenogenic grafting. The collagen matrix was applied to cover the exposed periosteum. The initial results from measuring the attached mucosa in the frontal region revealed a small amount of attached keratinized mucosa (1 to 2 mm) or the lack of it. A week after surgery the patients were referred for the fabrication of removable complete dentures. For the purpose of optimal postoperative results it is advisable that prostheses fitting take place not later than 7 – 10 days post-surgery. For various reasons 12 out of all patients who underwent surgery were prothesized later (more than 30 days after vestibuloplasty).
Results: Immediately after surgical procedure the initial deepening of the mandibular vestibule in all patients was greater than 10 mm. Due to delay in the construction of prosthesеs (more than 5 weeks after vestibuloplasty) 12 of the patients exhibited a decrease in the postoperative vestibule depth by more than 50%.
Conclusion: Mucoderm® proves to be an effective alternative to autogenous grafts in pre-prosthetic surgery and can be successfully applied in vestibuloplasty to cover the periosteum. The use of grafts to cover the periosteum enables the reduction of patients’ morbidity and facilitates dental impression and prosthesis fabrication soon after vestibuloplasty. A timeframe within 7-10 days is advisable to achieve optimal preservation of the postoperative vestibular depth.