Clinical outcomes of root coverage using porcine-derived collagen matrix with modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) in multiple gingival recessions in smokers - a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objectives: Root coverage (RC) is an integral part in management of gingival recessions. Unlike isolated recessions, treating multiple recessions is the most challenging scenario especially in smokers who have reported reduced RC in terms of quantity and stability. Modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique due to its improved vascularity along with use of porcine-derived collagen matrix (PDCM) (Mucograft™) with its bilayered dense collagen matrix may be a predictable alternative to conventional gold standard subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). The purpose of this study was to compare the results of RC achieved using PDCM and SCTG with the MCAT approach in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions in smokers.

Methodology: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical study registered under clinical trial registry (CTRI no. CTRI/2020/03/024238) including 28 patients with 64 recession defects. Smokers (≥ 10 cigarettes/day for ≥ 5 years) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized into the SCTG and PDCM groups which were treated with SCTG using MCAT and PDCM using MCAT technique, respectively. Recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), thickness of keratinized gingiva (TKG), and %RC were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Complete RC (CRC) at 3 and 6 months, RC aesthetic scores (RCES) at 6 months.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters. Intergroup comparison of root coverage parameters in smokers showed better performance of the PDCM group in terms of RD, %RC, TKG, WKT, CRC (45.06%), and RCES (p < 0.001) compared to the SCTG group. Time taken for surgical procedure and visual analog pain scores were significantly lesser in the PDCM group.

Conclusion: PDCM showed good predictable results in terms of all RC parameters compared to SCTG and thus may be used as a predictable alternative to SCTG for RC in smokers.

Clinical Significance: PDCM can be used as a potential alternative to gold standard subepithelial connective tissue graft in smokers with better patient compliance.