Objectives: To study the wound healing of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allografts when used together with coronally advanced flaps (CAF) in the treatment of localized gingival recessions in the mini-pig experimental model.
Material and methods: Dehiscence defects 4 x 5 mm were surgically created in one buccal root surface in each quadrant of PI, II, or III in three mini-pigs. They were then treated with CAF and the interposition of either a connective tissue graft (CTG) or ADM. As the primary outcome, the histological interface between the ADM and the root surface was studied and was compared with CTG. As secondary outcomes, we assessed the amount and quality of the keratinized tissue and clinical outcomes in terms of root coverage and recession reduction.
Results: At 3 months, the CTG group attained a mean 76% root coverage, versus 62% in the ADM group. The histological interface with the root surface was similar in both groups. The apical migration of the epithelium was 1.79+/-0.46 mm for the CTG and 1.21+/-0.35 mm for ADM. Newly formed cementum was observed with both treatments. New bone and a newly formed periodontal ligament were shown in five specimens in the ADM group and in three in the CTG group.
Conclusion: Both materials showed similar clinical and histological outcomes.