New collagen membrane matches gold standard for gum thickening around implants

This study tested whether a special collagen membrane could replace a tissue graft taken from the patient's own palate to thicken gum tissue around dental implants. Twenty healthy adults with thin gums received either the collagen membrane or a connective tissue graft during implant placement. Both methods increased gum thickness by about 2 mm after 3 months, with similar pain and quality-of-life scores. The collagen membrane appears to be a good alternative to the more invasive tissue graft.