January 2024

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of bone tacks and sutures in free gingival graft (FGG) stabilization during gingival augmentation procedures. Materials and Methods: Twelve subjects participated in this study. One site in each subject was randomly assigned into each of the following experimental groups. In the test group, the FGG was stabilized with bone tacks, whereas FGG procedure with conventional sutures was performed in the control group. Clinical parameters assessed were the width of keratinized gingiva and plaque index (PI) scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Surface shrinkage (SS) was recorded at 15 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Early wound healing score (EHS) was recorded postoperatively, after an interval of 1 week. Results: Bone tacks stabilized with FGG were effective in increasing the width of the keratinized gingiva, but did not show any added advantage over sutures, with no statistical difference between both groups (p=0.49). In both groups there was similar SS, EHS and PI scores, with no statistical significance difference between them (p=1.00). Conclusion: This trial was conducted over a period of 3 months, and it was observed that bone tacks can be used to stabilize the FGG during mucogingival procedures.