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.