Clinical Efficacy of Concentrated Growth Factors for the Management of Marginal Tissue Recession: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare, and evaluate whether concentrated growth factors (CGF) or connective tissue grafts (CTG) is a better treatment alternative for patients with marginal tissue recession (MTR).

Methods: Electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened from the last 20 years reporting treatment of MTR using CGF or CTG and other techniques. Periodontal parameters like probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, recession width, keratinized tissue width, root coverage, increase in gingival thickness and plaque index, and gingival index were compared. Standardized mean difference was used as a summary statistic measure with a random effect model and P value <0.05 as statistically significant.

Results: Six studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only 4 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through standardized mean difference signifies that CGF was superior to CTG in the reduction of probing depth, gingival index, and plaque index and gain in clinical attachment level while CTG was superior in reducing the recession depth and recession width. Both the procedures had an overall equal effect on keratinized tissue width and root coverage, but these differences were statistically insignificant ( P >0.05). Publication bias through the funnel plot showed symmetric distribution without systematic heterogeneity.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that treatment of MTR with CTG or CGF resulted in clinically favorable outcomes, but no statistically significant differences was observed between these 2 procedures regarding the outcome.