Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate whether or not Terudermis® would be applicable as artificial gingiva in humans. Thirty-two cases (24 patients) were selected from a patient population visiting the clinic of Kanagawa Dental College. Terudermis composed of collagen matrix and silicone layer was applied to the partial gingival defect immediately after mucogingival surgery. Clinically, in most cases, the healing process was favorable and superior hemostasis and proliferation of granulation tissue were observed. The patients had no complaints of discomfort or pain. The enlargement of attached gingiva, obviously distinguished from alveolar mucosa, was observed in 10 cases that underwent vestibular extension operation and an average of clinically increased width was 2 mm. The above results confirmed that Terudermis was a superior wound covering material and suggested that it could enhance the extension of attached gingiva in humans.
