The laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is proved to be a reliable tool in flap monitoring in general surgery; however, it has not\nbeen evaluated in oral surgery yet.We applied the LSCI to compare the effect of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (GeistlichMucograft)\nto connective tissue grafts (CTG) on the microcirculation of themodified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) for gingival\nrecession coverage. Gingival microcirculation and wound fluid were measured before and after surgery for six months at twentyseven\ntreated teeth. In males, the flap microcirculation was restored within 3 days for both grafts followed by a hyperemic response.\nDuring the first 8 days the blood flow was higher at xenogeneic graft comparing to the CTG. In females, the ischemic period lasted\nfor 7ââ?¬â??12 days depending on the graft and no hyperemic response was observed. Females had more intense and prolonged wound\nfluid production. The LSCI method is suitable to capture the microcirculatory effect of the surgical intervention in human oral\nmucosa. The application of xenogeneic collagen matrices as a CTG substitute does not seem to restrain the recovery of graft bed\ncirculation. Gender may have an effect on postoperative circulation and inflammation.
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