Comparison of Maxillary Tuberosity and Palatal Donor Sites for Soft Tissue Augmentation at Implant Placement.

Abstract Objective: To compare the outcomes of soft tissue augmentation (STA) during one-stage implant placement using grafts harvested from the hard palate (PAL) or the maxillary tuberosity (TUB).Materials and Methods: Non-smoking adults with single missing tooth, between the premolar region, and ridge dimensions adequate for implant placement were enrolled. Each received single implant and connective tissue graft harvested either from PAL (n=10) or TUB (n=10). Digital impressions were taken pretreatment (T0), and at 2 (T1) and 12 months (T2) postoperatively. Soft tissue thickness (STT) changes was the primary study outcome. Secondary outcomes included marginal bone level (MBL) changes over time, pain levels at the first two postoperative weeks (W1, W2), pink esthetic score (PES) and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) at T2. Data analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance for intergroup comparisons.Results: STT significantly increased in both groups (p≤0.002), at all apico-coronal levels examined, with no significant intergroup differences. There was no significant intergroup difference in MBL changes (p=0.376). PAL group experienced higher donor site pain levels at W1 (p=0.023). PES and PROMs were similar between groups at T2.Conclusions: STA during one-stage implant placement results in significant STT increases. Clinical relevance: When performed simultaneously with single one-stage implants, palatal and tuberosity grafts result in similar and significant soft tissue augmentation outcomes.