Root coverage using porcine collagen matrix with fibroblast growth factor‐2: a pilot study in dogs

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fibroblast growth factor‐2 ( FGF ‐2) in combination with porcine collagen matrix ( CM ) for coverage of gingival recession defects in dogs. Materials and Methods In five male mongrel dogs, labial gingival recession defects were surgically created in the lower‐third incisors bilaterally. The defects were randomly assigned to the CM / FGF ‐2 group (experimental) or the CM ‐only group (control). Standardized clinical photographs and silicone impressions were taken at 4 and 16 weeks of healing to calculate the remaining recession area. The dogs were euthanized after 16 weeks for histometric analysis. Results At 4 weeks, the recession area of the CM / FGF ‐2 group was significantly smaller than that of the CM ‐only group (2.55 ± 0.66 and 4.92 ± 1.05 mm 2 , respectively, p = 0.023), However, no significant difference was observed at 16 weeks. Histometrically, the amount of newly formed cementum was larger in the CM / FGF ‐2 group than in the CM ‐only group at 16 weeks (1.55 ± 0.44 and 0.88 ± 0.51 mm, respectively, p = 0.024). Conclusions The combination of CM / FGF ‐2 may enhance the early wound healing and may promote cementum formation to a higher extent compared to the use of CM alone.