Use of Amnion As a Graft Material in Vestibuloplasty: a Preliminary Report

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical use of amnion as a biodegradable graft material for vestibuloplasty.

Study Design: Seven subjects who had been referred for preprosthetic surgery underwent mandibular vestibuloplasty using Clark's technique and amnion as graft material. Fresh amniotic membrane was placed in the area and an acrylic splint was used with soft liner and 0.4-mm wires to cover the surgical site. The area was reexamined after 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results: A white necrotic soft tissue layer could be seen with underlying hyperemic tissue and an average reduction of 1 to 3 mm in the depth of the labial vestibule after a week. By the end of the second week, the necrotic layer had disappeared, leaving slightly hyperemic mucosal tissue under. By the third week, the graft area could be noticed but the amnion had completely degenerated and disappeared. After 4 weeks, the subjects could be referred for their prosthodontic treatment. The reduction in the depth of the buccal vestibule ranged from 17% to 40% after 6 months' follow-up.

Conclusion: Amnion might be used as a potential graft material for vestibuloplasty.