Using the Dermal Fat Graft as a Barrier Membrane in Unilateral Alveolar Cleft Grafting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar cleft grafting is a surgical procedure that usually suffers from inferior results. Methodology: The patients were divided into 2 groups; study and control. In the study group, the grafted site was covered with a dermal fat graft. Results: Showed that the bone fill percentage (Bergland Scale) recorded in the study was significantly better (P=0.03); the study group had 14 successful cases out of 18 compared with the control, which had only 9 out of 20. The study group significantly (P= 0.002) better bone fill (71%±32%) compared with the control (46%±33%). There was a significant reduction in dehiscence in the study compared with the control (P=0.02); the study group had no dehiscence compared with the control, which had 5 dehiscence. Conclusion: The dermal fat graft use as a barrier membrane was successful in improving alveolar cleft grafting.