Guided Tissue Regeneration and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Aim: Gingival recession (GR) is a significant determinant of both the functional and cosmetic aspects of patients. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using collagen membranes is considered a desirable option among the various strategies for GR coverage using barrier membranes. Therefore, this clinical research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of GTR using bioabsorbable collagen membrane (GTRbcm) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the treatment of GR over a duration of 6 months.

Materials and methods: A total of 24 patients diagnosed with Miller's class I and II GR participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, which was divided into two groups, with 12 patients in each group. Group I received a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with GTR, whereas group II had CAF with SCTG following the first periodontal treatment. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for evaluating parameters within and across groups.

Results: Analysis of covariance revealed that the recession depth (RD) in group I was significantly greater than in group II at 3 months (1.27 ± 0.17 compared to 0.65 ± 0.17) and 6 months (1.06 ± 0.16 compared to 0.19 ± 0.16), respectively. Group II had a more substantial reduction in RD, with a reduction of 74, 83, and 95% observed at all subsequent examinations.

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that both surgical procedures may effectively treat Miller's class I and II GRs, resulting in satisfactory root coverage.

Clinical significance: The GTR technique with collagen membrane can be an alternative to the SCTG in the management of GR. It will help clinicians in evidence-based decision-making and careful case selection for successful outcomes in treating GR. How to cite this article: Siddiqui LT, Amirisetty R, Shetty RM, et al. Guided Tissue Regeneration and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):12-20.