Comparison of amnion allograft with connective tissue graft for root coverage procedures: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Objective: The aim of the present double-blind, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of amnion allograft and connective tissue graft in covering denuded root surfaces.

Methods: Seventy-one teeth in 22 patients with gingival recession were treated randomly with coronally displaced flap plus connective tissue graft (control group, n = 29 recessions in 10 patients) or coronally displaced flap plus amnion allograft (test group, n = 42 recessions in 12 patients). The amount of root coverage and clinical parameters (probing depth, recession depth, clinical attachment level, recession width, gingival width, and papilla dimensions) were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results: Average root coverage percentages after 6 months in the test and control groups were 67% (2.3 +/- 0.289 mm) and 54% (2.24 +/- 0.519 mm), respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.054). The changes in depth and width of recessions and in gingival width were significant 3 and 6 months after surgery compared to baseline (p = 0.000). Variations in the level of attachment and probing depths after 6 months were statistically significant in the test group compared to the control group (p = 0.002). Papilla dimensions were significantly correlated with root coverage (p = 0.00).

Conclusions: Amnion allograft might be a suitable alternative to connective tissue graft in procedures to cover denuded root surfaces and can reduce recession depth.