The aim of this review was to assess the clinical efficacy of periodontal plastic surgery procedures in the treatment of localized gingival recessions (Rec) with or without inter-dental clinical attachment loss (iCAL).

Methods

Searches were conducted in Medline, The Cochrane Database Trials Register, Embase and the journals; 
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research, International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and PERIO without language restrictions.

Only randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs), including split-mouth model, for the treatment of single gingival recession of at least 6 months duration were considered. 
A wide-range of periodontal surgery procedures including combination techniques were considered ( see table)

The primary outcome was complete root coverage (CRC). Secondary outcome variables included recession reduction (RecRed) and keratinized tissue (KT) gain. Two reviewers independently abstracted data an conducted risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

• 51 trials (53 papers) involving a total of 1574 patients and 1744 recessions were included.
• 30 different comparisons were identified and 80 meta-analyses were performed.
• Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) was associated with higher probability of CRC and higher amount of RecRed than Semilunar Coronal Positioned Flap (SCPF).
• The combination CAF plus Connective Tissue Graft (CAF+CTG) or CAF plus Enamel Matrix Derivative (CAF+EMD) was more effective than CAF alone in terms of CRC and RecRed.
• The combination CAF plus Collagen Matrix (CAF+CM) achieved higher RecRed than CAF alone.
• In addition, CAF+CTG achieved CRC more frequently than CAF+EMD, SCPF, Free Gingival Graft (FGG) and Laterally Positioned Flap (LPS).
• CAF+CTG was also associated with higher RecRed than Barrier Membranes (CAF+GTR), CAF+EMD and CAF+CM.
• GTR was not able to improve the clinical efficacy of CAF.
• Studies adding Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) under CAF showed a large heterogeneity and not significant benefits compared with CAF alone.
• Multiple combinations, using more than a single graft/biomaterial under the flap, usually provide similar or less benefits than simpler, control procedures in term of root coverage outcomes.

Conclusions

The authors concluded: –

CAF procedures alone or with CTG, EMD are supported by large evidence in modern periodontal plastic surgery. CAF+CTG achieved the best clinical outcomes in single gingival recessions with or without iCAL.

Comments

The authors have conducted an extensive search of the literature identified 51 trials assessing periodontal surgery procedures for localised gingival recession. A large number of procedures have been suggested for the management of this type of recession and 30 separate comparisons were identified. However, overall the studies are relatively small and the numbers that could be included for each comparison is also small and this should been taken into consideration when interpreting these findings. In addition only 8% of the included studies provided outcomes at more than 5 years.

Links

Cairo F, Nieri M, Pagliaro U. Efficacy of periodontal plastic surgery procedures in the treatment of localized facial gingival recessions. A systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2014 Apr;41 Suppl 15:S44-62. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12182. Review. PubMed PMID: 24641000.