Acellular dermal matrix and subepithelial connective tissue grafts for root coverage: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Gingival recession affects numerous patients, necessitating effective treatment options.
• Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is considered the gold standard for root coverage.
• Acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) is an alternative material for root coverage procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare the efficacy of ADMG versus SCTG for treating gingival recession defects.
• To evaluate root coverage, attachment level changes, keratinized tissue dimensions, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials comparing ADMG and SCTG.
• Searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to March 2016.
• Included trials had a minimum 6-month follow-up period, focusing on Miller Class I and II recession.

Main Results:

• 17 controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis.
• No significant differences were found between ADMG and SCTG for mean root coverage, percent root coverage, and clinical attachment level gain.
• ADMG demonstrated a statistically significant greater gain in keratinized tissue width compared to SCTG.

Conclusions:

• ADMG serves as a suitable alternative to SCTG for root coverage procedures.
• ADMG is particularly beneficial when avoiding a second surgical site is a priority for the patient.
• Both ADMG and SCTG provide comparable clinical outcomes for root coverage and attachment level gain.