Coronally advanced flap with or without porcine collagen matrix for root coverage: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to clinically evaluate the outcomes following treatment of single gingival recessions with either coronally advanced flap technique (CAF) alone or combined with a porcine collagen matrix graft (CM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a randomized parallel design clinical trial, including forty patients with single Miller Class I or II gingival recession, with a depth ≥ 2 mm and located at upper canines or premolars. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either CAF or CAF + CM. The primary outcome variable was gingival recession reduction (Rec Red).

RESULTS

Baseline recession depth was 3.14 ± 0.51 mm for CAF group and 3.16 ± 0.65 mm for CAF + CM group (p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant Rec Red (p < 0.05), up to 6 months. Rec Red for CAF + CM was 2.41 ± 0.73 mm and was 2.25 ± 0.50 mm for CAF alone (p > 0.05). Root coverage was 77.2 % in the CAF + CM group and 72.1 % in the CAF group (p > 0.05). Complete root coverage (CRC) was found in 40 % of the cases in the CAF + CM group and in 35 % of the sites treated with CAF. Keratinized tissue thickness (KTT) was 0.26 mm higher in CAF + CM group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that CAF + CM does not provide a superior recession reduction when compared to CAF; however, it may offer a small gain in KTT after 6 months.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

CAF + CM can be suggested as a valid therapeutic option to achieve root coverage and some increase in soft tissue thickness after 6 months.