The effect of ostrich acellular dermal matrix on keratinized gingival width

BACKGROUND: Xenogeneic grafts have gained attention due to advantages in compare of autografts. This study aimed to compare Xeno (ostrich) Acellular Dermal Matrix (XADM) with the free gingival graft (FGG) to increase the width of Keratinized gingiva (KGW) in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This split mouth animal study was performed on 10 mixed breed dogs. The upper second premolar sites were randomly selected for grafting by XADM (test) or FGG (control). Measurements of KGW were recorded before surgery, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Biopsies from grafted sites for histologic and histomorphometric evaluations were harvested 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed by repeated measured, paired samples t-test, and Wilcoxon Signed rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: KGW increased in the two study groups after surgery with no significant statistical difference between them at any time intervals (P > 0.05). The graft shrinkage was 23% and 21% for the test and control groups, respectively, without statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Histomorphometric evaluation showed no significant difference between the two study groups. Foreign body reaction was not seen in any of the study groups. CONCLUSION: Increased KWG was similar between the two study groups. With regard to FGG limitations, XADM may be assumed as a suitable alternative for FGG. It should be noted that this research was an animal study and clinical trials on human should be performed to approve the efficacy and safety of this material.