i-PRF-Based Bioactive Matrix vs. Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recessions

November 2, 2026 updated by: Michele Paolantonio, G. d'Annunzio University

Efficacy of a Novel i-PRF-based Bioactive Matrix in the Treatment of Gingival Recessions: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel bioactive matrix, consisting of an equine collagen core soaked in i-PRF and wrapped in L-PRF, used in combination with a coronally advanced flap as an alternative to the autologous connective tissue graft for the treatment of gingival recessions. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 24 patients with Miller Class I or II recessions will be treated with either the bioactive matrix (test) or a subepithelial connective tissue graft (control), with calibrated and blinded examiners. The primary endpoints are mean and complete root coverage at 6 months, while secondary outcomes include clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on post-operative discomfort and satisfaction, recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Study Overview

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

48

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Chieti
      • Chieti, Chieti, Italy, 66100
        • Recruiting
        • Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University 'G. D'Annunzio' of Chieti
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion criteria Age ≥ 18 years Systemically healthy non-smokers Willingness to provide informed consent and attend the study No antibiotic use within the previous 3 months No known allergies to the materials used in the study No periodontal plastic surgery at the defect site within the previous 12 months Full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) ≤ 20% Miller Class I or II (RT1) buccal gingival recessions at maxillary or mandibular incisors, canines or premolars, single or multiple Recession depth ≥ 2 mm Exclusion criteria Unstable systemic diseases Compromised healing potential (e.g. diabetes) Active infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, etc.) Use of steroid medications Pregnancy or attempting to become pregnant Use of medications known to cause gingival enlargement

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: CAF+iPRF based Bioactive Matrix

Coronally advanced flap (CAF) with a bioactive matrix (equine collagen soaked in i-PRF and wrapped in a double L-PRF membrane)

An equine collagen matrix is trimmed to the size of the site, soaked in autologous i-PRF and wrapped in a double layer of L-PRF membranes. The resulting bioactive matrix is secured to the de-epithelialized papillae with simple interrupted sutures and fully covered by the flap.

Active Comparator: CAF+SCTG

CAF with a de-epithelialized subepithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palate

A free epithelialized gingival graft is harvested from the palate, de-epithelialized with a 15c blade and sutured at the level of the CEJ. The graft height is based on the distance from the CEJ to the buccal bone crest. The flap is then advanced to fully cover it.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Gingival thickness (GT)
Time Frame: 3 months and 6 months

Measured mid-buccally, 2 mm apical to the gingival margin, using a endodontic file with a rubber stopper

3 months and 6 months
Mean root coverage (mRC)
Time Frame: 3 months and 6 months

percentage of baseline recession depth (RECd) covered

3 months and 6 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

February 12, 2024

Primary Completion (Estimated)

February 16, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

February 16, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

October 12, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 2, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

November 5, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

November 5, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 2, 2026

Last Verified

November 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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