Coronally advanced flap with or without enamel matrix derivative for root coverage: a 2-year study.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Gingival recession affects numerous individuals, leading to aesthetic concerns and potential root surface sensitivity.
• Surgical interventions like coronally advanced flaps (CAF) are standard for root coverage.
• Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been explored for its potential regenerative properties in periodontal defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in enhancing root coverage when used with a coronally advanced flap (CAF).
• To compare the outcomes of CAF with EMD versus CAF alone over a 2-year period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 15 patients with 30 bilateral Miller Class I or II gingival recessions.
• Recessions were randomly assigned to either CAF + EMD (test group) or CAF alone (control group).
• Clinical parameters including recession depth, width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and keratinized tissue were assessed at baseline and 24 months.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant reduction in recession depth and gain in clinical attachment level.
• Mean root coverage was high in both groups (90.67% for CAF+EMD vs. 86.67% for CAF alone) at 24 months.
• Complete root coverage was achieved in 73.33% of the test group and 60% of the control group; no statistically significant differences were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• The addition of EMD to CAF does not provide statistically significant clinical benefits for root coverage.
• Outcomes for root coverage were comparable between the CAF+EMD and CAF alone groups.
• EMD's application in this context may be considered for potential periodontal regeneration rather than solely for root coverage repair.