Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation with an Acellular Dermal Matrix

The goal of this case report was to evaluate the use of an acellular dermal matrix for soft tissue ridge augmentation. The technique used was a modification of the procedure proposed by Langer and Calagna and involved reflecting a partial-thickness pedicle, placing an acellular dermal matrix, and covering the acellular dermal matrix with the pedicle. The increases in the quantity of tissue obtained were adequate to permit placing an esthetic fixed restoration in four of the five cases treated. In one of the five cases, the acellular dermal matrix became exposed and partially sloughed. This resulted in less of an increase in tissue than in the other cases. Histologic evaluation of this case showed that the entire acellular dermal matrix did not slough; part of the acellular dermal matrix was incorporated into the result. The use of an acellular dermal matrix for soft tissue ridge augmentation is a clinically valuable technique.