Volumetric analysis of root coverage with porcine acellular dermal matrix: Case study

Gingival recession is prevalent and often treated with coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft (CAF+CTG). Porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) offers a donor-site-free alternative. Contemporary digital imaging allows minimally invasive, three-dimensional (3D) soft-tissue assessment. This case report quantified 3D soft-tissue changes after PADM-based root coverage using an integrated digital workflow.

A 38-year-old woman presenting with recession-type 2 (RT2) defects on teeth #7, #6, and #5 underwent root coverage with an extended CAF in combination with a PADM. Three-dimensional datasets were obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using intraoral scanning and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). These were processed with image-analysis software to assess volumetric and contour changes over time. Clinical parameters and patient-reported satisfaction (visual analog scale, VAS) were also recorded.

Buccal soft-tissue volume increased from 329.70 mm³ (baseline) to 454.81 mm³ (6 months), then to 345.25 mm³ (12 months), yielding a net gain of +4.72% versus baseline and a -24.09% reduction from the 6-month peak. Color-coded maps indicated predominant augmentation in the cervical third with contour stability at 12 months. VAS scores improved over time.

PADM-assisted root coverage increased gingival thickness and resulted in a stable buccal contour. 3D CT volumetric assessment seems to be a promising method for quantifying long-term changes in regenerated tissues.