The MTG technique: Dermal xenomatrix for tissue regeneration

The matrix tissue graft (MTG) technique is a low-biological impact tissue regeneration procedure. It is based on three pillars: implant, prosthesis, and dermal matrix. Its scientific rationale lies in the well-known ability to regenerate tissues through distraction. Distraction is the well-established concept of bone regeneration which applies to soft tissue regeneration as well.

This innovative technique is based on the principle of fibrodistraction, promoted by the three drivers mentioned above. In some cases, fibrodistraction can be achieved through just implants and prostheses. Tissues can actually be guided by an accurate 3D implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation. Implants and prostheses though may not be enough to ensure a consistent and continuous tissue distraction, as required to form an adequate clot chamber and promote tissue regeneration. In such instances a dermal matrix is needed.

This requires a densely-knit dermal matrix to achieve tissue distraction. Numerous scientific papers reported that the acellular dermal matrix is replaced by newly formed connective tissue in three or four months. The most common application of a dermal matrix resides in the augmentation of peri-implant soft tissues so as to prevent in a low-invasive way that peri-implant tissue dehiscences may develop.

The high-consistency dermal matrix can be combined with a conventional alveolar preservation approach. A major advantage of this technique is the possibility to regenerate/augment both hard and soft tissues at the same time, thus making it possible to manage aesthetic areas in a single surgery.

Furthermore, the heterologous dermal matrix offers several advantages:

• no donor site
• unlimited availability
• can be shaped according to the defect
• can be left exposed

It can be combined with a collagen-based bone xenograft not only for ridge regeneration but also for guided bone regeneration, or ridge augmentation procedures.  The matrix can be left exposed even for large surface areas. Hence no releasing incision is required to ensure first-intention closure. This simplified technique allows soft tissue regeneration even in full-arch rehabilitations of extraction sites with just a slightly longer surgical time.