Long‐term stability of root coverage procedures for single gingival recessions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Aim To evaluate the long‐term (≥2 years) stability of root coverage procedures for single gingival recessions. Materials and Methods A complete literature search was performed up to July 2018. Randomized controlled trials ( RCT s) following ≥2 years were selected. Primary outcomes were complete root coverage ( CRC ) and mean root coverage ( MRC ). Secondary outcomes were width of keratinized tissue ( KTW ) and patient‐centred parameters. Meta‐analysis was conducted when possible. Results A total of fifteen RCT s were included. The results demonstrated significantly higher MRC in short‐term than long‐term after coronally advanced flap ( CAF ; 7.29%, p = 0.006). When CAF combined with connective tissue graft ( CTG ), no significant difference was observed in CRC or MRC for short‐term versus long‐term (1.00, p = 0.97; 2.35%, p = 0.09), and it resulted in better long‐term efficacy than CAF alone in terms of CRC (0.69, p = 0.0006) and KTW (−0.63 mm, p = 0.04). For CAF plus enamel matrix derivative, the meta‐analysis showed no significant difference between the short‐term and long‐term results of CRC (1.26, p = 0.21). Conclusions CAF alone could result in decreased postoperative percentage of root coverage with time. CAF + CTG could maintain long‐term stability and result in better root coverage outcomes than CAF .