Evaluation of Volume Stable Collagen Matrix in RT2 Gingival Recession Compared to Connective Tissue Graft

Gingival recession is the migration of the gingiva to a point apical to the cemento-enamel junction. In routine dental practice gingival recession defects are frequently encountered complain because of functional and esthetic concern of patients . Indications of root coverage procedures including esthetics, defect progression, hypersensitivity, or difficulties with oral hygiene support the use of periodontal plastic surgical procedures.

Miller in 1985 proposed a classification system which is probably the most commonly employed system to classify gingival recession and divided it into four categories. Class III recession extends to or beyond the MGJ with bone or soft tissue loss in the interdental area, or there is malpositioning of the teeth which may be a hinderance to complete root coverage and hence partial root coverage can be expected. According to Cairo (2011), Recession Type 2 (RT2): Gingival recession associated with loss of interproximal attachment. The amount of interproximal attachment loss (measured from the interproximal CEJ to the depth of the interproximal pocket) was less than or equal to the buccal attachment loss (measured from the buccal CEJ to the depth of the buccal pocket) .

The subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) has been considered as the "gold standard" for recession coverage around teeth, Harvesting of SECTG can be done from the palate, maxillary tuberosity or edentulous ridges. The palate remains the most common donor site. The harvesting of SECTGs produces less postoperative morbidity than free gingival grafts. Many modifications of the techniques to harvest SECTGs have been proposed, each subtly different from each other in the number of incisions, flap design, and technique. Hurzeler suggested a single incision technique to harvest SECTG, with advantages of healing with primary intention at the donor site and very less postoperative morbidity to the patient but in the quest for easier to use, unlimited supply alternatives to painful harvest grafts, researchers continue to test harvest graft substitute. However, the harvesting procedure is classified as being difficult and may be associated with the risk of intra and postoperative complications such as bleeding, infection or necrosis. Several studies have focused on alternatives including human dermis and collagen matrices(CMX). A multicentre trial in isolated recessions indicated that the addition of CMX to coronally advanced flap resulted in a significant benefit in terms of marginal soft tissue thickness and patient-reported outcomes compared to coronally advanced flaps alone.The results, however, failed to support the non-inferiority hypothesis of CMX with respect to CTG in terms of root coverage. Now, a volume stable, fully resorbable, porous, collagen matrix of porcine origin and spongious consistency (volume stable collagen matrix - VCMX ) has become available for soft tissue augmentation. The surgical technique proposed in a case series using a volume-stable collagen matrix and autogenous subepithelial CTG may be an effective method for periodontal phenotype modification through thickening of the entire facial aspect for the treatment of gingival recession. In a Randomized clinical trial(RCT), it showed that VCMX provides volume stability and withstands early resorption, while encouraging formation of new soft tissue. Due to its wettability, suture ability and biological properties, the device has been reported to become well integrated with surrounding soft tissue.

Given these characteristics, this study will be conducted to evaluate the root coverage % in Miller's class 3 or RT2 gingival recession in mandibular anterior teeth using a VCMX compared to CTG with minimally invasive access technique.

The present randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted in the department of Periodontics and Implantology, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak. Study design is of 12-14 months. Patients will be recruited from the outpatient department of periodontology. It will be divided into Test group - VCMX Scaling and root planing will be performed and after resolution of gingival inflammation, root coverage procedure will be done with VCMX using minimally invasive access technique and Control group - CTG Scaling and root planing will be performed and after resolution of periodontal inflammation, root coverage procedure will be done with CTG using minimally invasive access technique.

Full mouth scaling and root planing will be performed using ultrasonic and hand instruments as needed.

After administration of local anaesthesia, exposed root surface will be scaled and planned using curettes. With a minimally invasive access technique a full thickness tunnel will be prepared with the aid of specific tunnelling instruments, extending it sufficiently beyond the mucogingival line into alveolar mucosa. This will be done to completely releasing the tunnel-papillae complex, thus facilitating its passive coronal replacement.

CTG will be procured from the palate or tuberosity area for root coverage procedure by single incision technique. The template will be placed on the palate to mark the extent of the graft, after local anesthesia was administered. The palatal wound will be sutured to obtain primary wound closure. VCMX was thinned and cut to size for the defect, rounding and sloping the matrix edges so they were thinner around the perimeter. In test group, Volume-stable collagen matrix will be placed and in control group only CTG will be placed.

Suitable antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed for 5 days. Chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouthwash will be advised till suture removal. The dressing and sutures will be removed after 7-10 days. Instructions will be given for gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and reinstructed for proper oral hygiene maintenance.

The patient will be recalled for examination weekly for upto 1 month after surgery and again at 3, 6 and 9 months.

After enrollment, participants will be instructed about oral hygiene maintainance and undergo nonsurgical periodontal treatment in the form of scaling and root planing. All baseline parameters will be recorded 4-6 weeks after SRP after once gingival inflammation is resolved. Placement of VCMX will be done in the Test group and participants will be recalled after 3 months for recording all parameters. Among the control group participants, CTG will be placed after resolution of gingival inflammation ( 4-6 weeks after SRP ). Both groups will be re-evaluated and undergo recording of all parameters at the end of final treatment.