Gingival recession is extremely common and can lead to complications such as root caries, compromised esthetic appearance, reduced oral hygiene and root surface hypersensitivity.^1,2

Autogenous soft tissue grafts, such as free gingival grafts or connective tissue grafts, have proven successful in covering recession defects.¹ However, harvesting those grafts, usually from the palate, is painful, technically demanding, time consuming and may lead to complications such as bleeding, pain, swelling, and occasionally also numbness or infections.^3-6

Geistlich Fibro-Gide^® or Geistlich Mucograft^® combined with a coronally advanced flap or in minimal invasive techniques represent a viable alternative to recession coverage with an autologous graft.^7,8 As their use spares creating a second surgical site, collagen matrices such as Geistlich Mucograft^® or Geistlich Fibro-Gide^® are associated with less chair time, patient pain perception and lower patient morbidity.^10-12

References:

1. Chambrone L, et al.: Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007161. (systematic review)
2. Bignozzi I, et al.: J Periodontal Res. 2014; 49(2): 143-63. (review)
3. Griffin TJ, et al.: J Periodontol 2006; 77: 2070-79. (clinical study)
4. Soileau KM, et al.: J Periodontol 2006; 77: 1267-73. (clinical study)
5. Zucchelli G, et al.: J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 728-38. (clinical study)
6. Cairo F, et al.: J Clin Periodontol 2012; 39: 760-68. (clinical study)
7. McGuire MK & Scheyer ET: J Periodontol 2016; 87(3): 221-7.
8. Cardaropoli D, et al.: J Periodontol 2012; 83(3): 321-28.
9. Griffin TJ, et al.: J Periodontol 2006; 77: 2070-79. (clinical study)
10. Sanz M, et al.: J Clin Periodontol 2009; 36(10): 868-76. (clinical study)
11. Geistlich Mucograft^® Seal Advisory Board Meeting Report, 2013. Data on file, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland.
12. Lorenzo R, et al.: Clin Oral Impl Res 2012; 23(3): 316-24. (clinical study)