Porcine dermal matrix for covering of recession type defects: A case series

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical applicability of porcine dermal matrix for treatment of recession type defects. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty-eight gingival recessions in six patients were selected for root coverage procedures using a modified tunneling technique and porcine dermal matrix. As primary outcome, depth and width of gingival recession were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. As a secondary outcome, the width of keratinized tissue was studied. RESULTS: At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, mean root coverage was 65.52% and 56.82%, respectively. Complete root coverage was achieved in 42.86% of the treated defects. CONCLUSION: Porcine dermal matrix may potentially be used as a replacement material for autologous tissue. However, complete root coverage was only achieved in less than half of the studied defects. (Quintessence Int 2013;44:243-246; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.a29053)