Functionally graded membrane: A novel approach in the treatment of gingival recession defects

Guided tissue regeneration has recently been advocated in re-constructing soft-tissue dimensions in recession defects. Advancement in nanotechnology has led to increased zest for approaches such as electrospinning of biologically active; nanofibrous functionally graded regenerative membranes for periodontal tissue engineering. A functionally graded membrane (FGM) had been tailored by incorporating chitosan and nano-hydroxyapatite over Amnion membrane and used in gingival recession defects.

It was single-blind, randomized controlled study. Split-mouth study was conducted in nine patients and 22 sites with recession defects were selected. Sites were divided into Group A (Amnion membrane with coronal advanced flap) and Group B (FGM with coronal advanced flap).

Sites were assessed clinically by recording plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), vertical recession defect depth (VRDD), relative clinical attachment level (CAL), and width of keratinized tissue at baseline, 3-6 months; and radiographically by recording linear bone growth by dentascan at baseline and 6 months.

Both groups showed statistically significant reduction in PI, GI and VRDD, and CAL and nonsignificant reduction in width of keratinized tissue at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Group A showed statistically significant linear bone growth at 6 months. Group B also showed gain in linear bone growth at 6 months; however, result was statistically nonsignificant.

FGM had shown favorable results by enhancing bone growth while preventing the gingival tissue downgrowth.