Use of an Extracellular Matrix Membrane for Root Coverage: Case Series and Review of the Literature

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Introduction: The treatment of gingival recession (GR) is a growing need in patients as a result of functional, esthetic, and preprosthetic demands. Techniques that primarily use autogenous grafts, although well established, often require a remote second surgical site. Clinicians have attempted to achieve comparable results without a donor site by using substitutes for autogenous grafts, such as allografts. Recently, the efficacy and predictability of an extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane for root coverage procedures has received close attention. This case series investigates whether the use of an ECM membrane for root coverage procedures achieves objectives, such as complete root coverage (CRC), stable results, and good esthetics in the form of uniform gingival color and contour. The results of six such cases in a variety of clinical situations are presented.Case Series: Six cases of Miller Class II and III GR defects were treated using an ECM membrane. The flap operation was conducted with a trapezoidal or sulcular flap, followed by placement of the ECM over the GR defect. A follow‐up range of ≤15 months showed complete (two cases) to partial (four cases) root coverage and an increase in tissue thickness.Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of an ECM membrane is a viable alternative to the use of autogenous grafts when treating GR defects or for soft‐tissue thickness augmentation.