Acellular dermal matrix allograft versus autogenous connective tissue grafts for thickening soft tissue and covering multiple gingival recessions: a 5-year preference clinical study

Objectives: The present preference clinical trial compared the long-term outcome of acellular dermal matrix allograft (ADMA) versus autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) in the treatment of gingival recessions. Method and materials: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with 233 Miller Class I and II recessions were treated by one operator (MS) with coronally advanced flaps and in addition either ADMA or CTG harvested from their palate. Clinical parameters were measured by an independent and masked assessor at baseline, 6 months, and 5 years. Results: Thirty-two patients could be recruited for long-term examination (seven dropouts). At 6 months and 5 years, all clinical parameters showed significant improvements in both groups with slightly better but statistically not significant clinical results for CTGs. At 5 years, the CTG group revealed an additional gain of keratinized mucosa width (t6m-0: CTG 1.88 mm, ADMA 1.04 mm, P = .081; and t5y-0: CTG 3.98 mm, ADMA 3.06 mm, P = .01) compared to 6 months, whereas the mean for ADMAs remained stable (intergroup comparison statistically significant, P = .010). In all other parameters in both groups, slight but not statistically significant relapses were detected. Only one minor postoperative complication at one ADMA-treated site occurred. Conclusions: Regarding the long-term results, ADMA could be an alternative treatment option to thicken soft tissue and to cover multiple gingival recessions. If the gain of keratinized mucosa width is considered as a main goal, CTG may have a slight advantage over ADMA. Keywords: acellular dermal matrix, connective tissue, gingival recession, long-term outcome, root coverage