Growth factor enriched collagen matrix versus de-epithelialized graft in root coverage procedures - A randomized parallel arm clinical trial.

AIM: This randomized parallel arm single blinded trial, evaluated the clinical efficacies of de epithelialized free gingival graft (DFGG) and volume stable collagen matrix (VCMX) enriched with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) along with coronally advanced flap (CAF) for the treatment of recession defects. The objectives were to assess and compare changes in recession depth (RD) and root coverage percentage (RC) between the groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five systemically healthy individuals presenting Cairo's RT1/RT2 recession defects in the maxilla were treated either with control (CAF + DFGG, n = 23) or test intervention (CAF + i-PRF + VCMX, n = 22). Parameters such as recession depth (RD) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Mean and complete root coverage percentages (MRC and CRC) were calculated. RESULTS: From baseline to 12 months, a statistically significant reduction in mean RD was observed in both the treatment groups (p < 0.001). At 12 months, the control group demonstrated a MRC of 90.21 ± 28.93% and CRC of 89.13 ± 29.99% and the test group showed a MRC of 81.62 ± 32.03% with CRC of 72.73 ± 45.58%. Intergroup analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the measured clinical parameters at 6 and 12 months (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, volume-stable xenogeneic collagen matrix enriched with i-PRF resulted in similar outcomes to those achieved with de-epithelialized free gingival graft in the treatment of maxillary gingival recession defects.