Enamel matrix derivative and root coverage: A literature review

Area of Science:

• Periodontal regeneration
• Biomaterials in dentistry
• Tissue engineering

Background:

• Enamel matrix derivative proteins (EMD), marketed as Emdogain®, have been pivotal in restorative dentistry since the 1990s.
• Periodontal disease remains a significant public health concern, driving the need for effective regenerative therapies.
• EMD offers a promising alternative for treating periodontal defects, including furcation lesions and intraosseous defects, with increasing application in root coverage procedures.

Observation:

• A systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 2019 and 2024 from PubMed and Scopus was conducted.
• Studies focused on surgical techniques for gingival recession treatment, evaluating outcomes such as root coverage (RC), clinical attachment gain (CAL), and gingival thickness (KTW).
• Long-term stability and postoperative pain (VAS) were also key metrics assessed in the reviewed literature.

Findings:

• EMD demonstrates a significant positive impact on periodontal regeneration and the long-term success of root coverage surgeries.
• The reviewed studies exhibited considerable variability in outcomes, highlighting the influence of different surgical approaches and patient factors.
• While EMD is effective, further high-quality RCTs are crucial to ascertain its efficacy across diverse clinical scenarios.

Implications:

• EMD is a valuable tool for enhancing periodontal regeneration and improving outcomes in root coverage procedures.
• The variability in results underscores the need for standardized treatment protocols and patient selection criteria.
• Continued research through RCTs will refine the application of EMD, optimizing its use in managing periodontal disease and recession defects.