Use of Anorganic Bovine‐Derived Hydroxyapatite Matrix/Cell‐Binding Peptide (P‐15) in the Treatment Isolated Class I Gingival Recession of Defects: A Pilot Study

Background: This study clinically evaluates the treatment outcome of coronally positioned flap (CPF) associated with anorganic bone mineral/peptide‐15 (ABM/P‐15) in terms of root coverage and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone height (BH) in isolated Class I gingival recession (GR) defects. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects with bilateral and comparable Miller Class I GR defects were selected. The defects were randomly assigned either to the test group (CPF with ABM/P‐15) or to the control group (CPF only). Results: Six months after surgery, a reduction in GR was observed in the test and control groups (2.20 ± 0.54 and 2.40 ± 0.80 mm, respectively; P <0.001) with no intergroup difference ( P = 0.33). Complete root coverage was obtained in 10 and 11 defects in the test and control groups, respectively. In the test group 85.56% ± 21.69% and in the control group 90.00% ± 18.42% of the exposed root was covered. Although not clinically significant, a statistically greater increase in the gingival thickness was observed in the test group (0.03 mm; P = 0.01). CAL gain was significant in both groups (test group, 1.93 ± 0.44 mm; control group, 2.13 ± 1.15 mm; P <0.001) with no intergroup difference ( P = 0.42). Intergroup and intragroup differences in width of keratinized tissue and BH were not significant ( P ≥0.16). In the test group, a positive correlation was observed between BH at baseline and the reduction in GR ( r = 0.56; P = 0.03). Conclusions: In isolated Class I GR defects, CPF associated with ABM/P‐15 provided no significant difference in root coverage and CAL gain compared to CPF alone. In the ABM/P‐15 group, a greater reduction in GR was associated with higher bone level at baseline.