Patient‐reported outcomes and aesthetic evaluation of root coverage procedures: a 12‐month follow‐up of a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim To assess patient‐reported outcome measures ( PROM s), aesthetics and stability of root coverage procedures from a previous 6‐month RCT after 1 year. Material & Methods Forty‐five patients (90 recessions) had received a coronally advanced flap ( CAF  = control) only or a xenogeneic collagen matrix in addition ( CAF  +  CMX  = test). Visual analogue scales ( VAS ) and questionnaires were used for PROM s and the root coverage aesthetic score ( RES ) for professional aesthetic evaluations. Results VAS scores (patient satisfaction) amounted to 8.58 ± 1.86 (test) versus 8.38 ± 2.46 (control). Six patients preferred CAF  +  CMX concerning surgical procedure and aesthetics, six preferred CAF and 29 were equally satisfied. RES was 7.85 ± 2.42 for the test group versus 7.34 ± 2.90 for the controls. Root coverage ( RC ) was 76.28% for test and 75.05% for control defects. The mean increase in keratinized tissue width was higher in test (from 1.97 to 3.02 mm) than in controls (from 2.00 to 2.64 mm) ( p  = 0.0413). Likewise, test sites showed more gain in gingival thickness (0.52 mm) than control sites (0.27 mm) ( p  = 0.0023). Compared to 6 months, clinical outcomes were stable. Conclusions Results for PROM s, RES and RC did not significantly differ between treatment groups. Thickness and width of keratinized tissue were enhanced following CAF  +  CMX compared to CAF alone.