https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40731774/
Tabanella G, Rider P, Rogge S, Tseneva K, Butorac Prpić I, Perić Kačarević Ž.

Original title: Soft Tissue Graft Placement Using a Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix (PADM) and Resorbable Magnesium Fixation Screws: A Case Series. Medicina. 2025;61:1144.

This study evaluates the combined use of mucoderm^® and resorbable NOVAMag^® fixation screws for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation. The fixation approach enabled stable graft positioning during healing and was associated with predictable improvements in soft tissue thickness and keratinization, supporting favorable aesthetic outcomes without additional patient morbidity or the need for screw removal.

INTRODUCTION

Stable peri-implant soft tissue thickness and sufficient keratinized mucosa are essential for long-term implant success, aesthetics, and patient comfort. Although autogenous soft tissue grafts are effective, they are associated with increased morbidity, limited availability, and, in some cases, suboptimal color matching. Porcine acellular dermal matrices (PADM) such as mucoderm^® offer a patient-friendly alternative; however, maintaining stable graft positioning during the healing phase is critical for successful integration, as conventional stabilization techniques may be associated with graft micromovement, allergic or foreign-body reactions, or the need for secondary screw removal.  This study therefore evaluates mucoderm^® combined with resorbable magnesium NOVAMag^® fixation screws to achieve graft stabilization and support predictable clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This prospective case series included three patients requiring soft tissue augmentation at previously augmented or implant-supported sites with thin soft tissue biotype and/or insufficient keratinized mucosa. Following flap elevation, mucoderm^® was positioned and stabilized with resorbable NOVAMag^® fixation screws placed on the buccal aspect of the alveolar ridge, followed by tension-free wound closure. Clinical outcomes were assessed after 3 months using intraoral scanning with STL superimposition and direct clinical measurements.

RESULTS

All treated sites healed uneventfully and allowed re-entry for prosthetic rehabilitation, including implant opening and crown placement, after 3–6 months depending on individual healing and soft tissue stability. At 3 months, STL analysis demonstrated consistent soft tissue augmentation, with a mean vertical gain of 0.86 ± 0.16 mm and a mean horizontal gain of 1.00 ± 0.13 mm. Mucosal thickness increased in all cases from a baseline value of 1.0–1.2 mm to 1.9–2.1 mm, while the width of keratinized mucosa improved by an average of 1.0 mm. The augmented soft tissue showed stable volume, improved contour, and favorable aesthetic integration.

CONCLUSION

The combination of mucoderm^® and NOVAMag^® resorbable magnesium fixation screws provided predictable, stable, and minimally invasive peri-implant soft tissue augmentation without donor site morbidity. Secure screw fixation prevented graft micromovement, supported biological integration and revascularization. This approach allows soft tissue augmentation to be performed simultaneously with implant placement and represents a reliable, patient-friendly alternative to autogenous soft tissue grafting.