Abstract
Background: Gingival recession (GR) defects can be treated by various methods, including acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or coronally advanced flaps (CAFs). The aim of this histomorphometric experiment is to compare the efficacy of ADM and CAF for treating GR defects in dogs.
Methods: In eight beagle dogs, a critical-size labial GR defect was surgically induced on bilateral maxillary cuspids under general anesthesia. Test sites received ADM and CAF, and control sites underwent CAF treatment alone. Plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), and gingival index (GI) were measured at 4 weeks (baseline), 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Width of keratinized gingiva (KG) was determined at baseline and at 16 weeks. Depth of recession and width of GR below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) was also determined. After 4 months, animals were sacrificed, and jaw blocks were histomorphometrically assessed for tissue thickness and distance from the stent to the gingival margin (GM) and to the CEJ.
Results: At 4-, 8-, and 16-week intervals, there was no significant difference in the BI, GI, and PI at the test and control sites. At 16 weeks, thickness of KG was significantly higher at the control sites than test sites (P <0.01). There was no difference in the midfacial recession depth and recession width at the test and control sites at baseline and before euthanasia (16 weeks). Histomorphometrically, there was no significant difference in tissue thicknesses and distances from the stent to the GM and CEJ in the test and control sites.
Conclusion: ADM might yield similar results to a CAF alone and could decrease the amount of KG.