Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery | January - June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 30 Comparison of vestibular sulcus depth in vestibuloplasty using standard Clark’s technique with and without amnion as graft material Basavaraj C. Sikkerimath, Satyajit Dandagi, Santosh. S. Gudi, Deeptha Jayapalan Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.M.N.M. Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India Address for correspondence: Dr. Deeptha J., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.M.N.M. Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. E-mail: deepthamagnet@gmail.com Introduction: A number of materials are used as grafts in vestibuloplasty like mucosal and skin grafts with several advantages and disadvantages. To circumvent the disadvantages of these grafts, biological membranes such as amnion membranes are often recommended. Materials and Methods: The objective of this study was to clinically assess the vestibular sulcus depth in vestibuloplasty using Clark’s technique with and without amnion as graft material. Twenty edentulous patients underwent mandibular labial vestibuloplasty using Clark’s technique. Amnion was used as graft material in 10 patients (group I) and no grafts used in remaining 10 patients (group II). The vestibular depth was evaluated at time intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months, postoperatively. Results: Mean postoperative vestibular depth after 3 months in group I and II were 10.0 ± 3.13 mm and 7.8±0.63 mm, respectively. Mean of 2.2 ± 2.50 mm increase in depth was achieved after 3 months in Group I. Conclusion: Amnion graft is a viable and reliable option that promotes early healing and maintains postoperative vestibular depth. Keywords: Amnion graft, clark’s technique, vestibular depth, vestibuloplasty INTRODUCTION The oral rehabilitation of patients after loss of teeth has made much progress in recent times. Vestibuloplasty, ridge augmentation and different types of implants were used to overcome the problems of flat alveolar ridge. [1] Many different methods have been described for regenerating or replacing bone for secondary implant placement but until now no substantial progress has been made in soft tissue management. [2] The most common procedure in vestibuloplasty are submucosal vestibuloplasty, secondary epithelial vestibuloplasty, soft tissue graft vestibuloplasty and Edlanplasty. [3] The aim of all these techniques is to create adequate vestibular depth and limit the traction of fiber and muscle attachments. [2] In secondary epithelial vestibuloplasty, there is a need to cover the exposed periosteum because a nearly complete relapse could be proven during secondary healing with contraction and epithelialization of the vestibular periosteum. [3] To date various autogenous soft tissue grafts from autogenous mucosal to allogeneic collagen membrane [4] have been used for vestibular extension. All grafts have the disadvantages of increased morbidity, postoperative pain and risk of surgical complications in the donor site. [5] This led to search for an alternate graft material. Biological membrane obtained from placenta opens new perspectives. The human amnion membrane is a biological graft which has unique properties like antiadhesive effects, bacteriostatic properties, wound protection, pain reduction and epithelisation effects. Its easy availability, low cost makes it the best material. ABSTRACT Access this article online Website: www.amsjournal.com DOI: 10.4103/2231-0746.95313 Quick Response Code: Original Clinical Studies