Clinical evaluation of root coverage using coronally positioned flap associated with acellular dermal matrix...

The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective assessment of the clinical results at 6,12 and 24 months of root coverage in single gingival recessions using coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. Clinical records were collected from 16 patients with single gingival recessions who visited a private practice in Periodontics in 2005 and 2006. They were treated through a coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. The following periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months: Recession Depth, Recession Width, Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, Keratinized Tissue Width, Plaque Index, Gingival Index and Sensitivity. The percentage of root coverage was 91.18 ± 21.26 at 6 months, 90.18 ± 22.04 at 12 months and 90.83 ± 18.41 at 24 months. Complete root coverage was 81% (13 out of 16) at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, complete root coverage was 75% (9 out of 12). The plaque and gingival indexes did not vary significantly between baseline and measurement times. Probing depth was maintained at healthy levels during the months of follow-up. Sensitivity decreased at 12 months (4 of 16) compared to baseline (14 of 16), and was maintained at 2 years (2 of 12). This retrospective study showed that acellular dermal matrix allograft could be considered a useful alternative for the treatment of single gingival recessions, reducing the discomfort and morbidity associated with the palatal donor site.