Work

Tissue-engineered approach using autologous fibroblast-seeded volume-stable collagen matrix for managing gingival recession- A randomized controlled clinical trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background: Gingival recession is a common deformity, and tissue engineering, using active regeneration, is emerging as a modern approach for management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous gingival fibroblasts seeded onto a volume-stable collagen matrix (VSCM) in treating gingival recession. Materials and methods: A split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 20 sites in 10 patients presenting with Miller Class I and II gingival recession. Sites were allocated to receive either coronally advanced flap (CAF) with volume-stable collagen matrix (VSCM) (control) or CAF with fibroblast-seeded volume-stable collagen matrix (FVSCM) (test). Autologous gingival fibroblasts were cultured and seeded onto VSCM before transplantation. Plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included Early Healing Score (EHS), Root Coverage Esthetic Score (RCES), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (V23) and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in clinical parameters over time. The test group showed significantly greater CAL gain and reduction in RD and RW at all follow-up intervals, with sustained outcomes at 6 months. PI and PD remained comparable between groups. Although EHS, RCES, and KTW showed favourable trends in the test group, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Autologous fibroblast-seeded collagen membranes show promise as a biologically driven alternative for managing gingival recession. Further multicentric trials are warranted for long-term validation.

Source: Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101481

Authors: Devapriyan Sankar, Deepavalli Arumuganainar, Shivakumar Baskaran, Sivaram Gopalakrishnan

Institutions: Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha University

Language: English

Topic: Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800