Histological evaluation of gelatin/beta-tricalcium phosphate sponges with or without concentrated growth factor in localized class II gingival recession

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate, histologically, the effectiveness of using gelatin sponge loaded with β-tricalcium phosphate with or without concentrated growth factor (CGF) (groups I and III) versus collagen with CGF (group II) in the treatment of Miller class II gingival recession in experimentally created bony defects in Egyptian Baladi dogs. Materials and Methods Twenty-four Miller class II gingival recession experimentally created defects in three Egyptian Baladi dogs were used in the present study. Six identical recession defects in three quadrants were created in upper and lower canines and premolars. Each quadrant received one of the three treatment modalities which were to be evaluated. The remaining two sites served as the control with a total of six control sites. Three dogs were euthanized after 12 weeks, and samples were collected for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Results Experimental defects of all groups showed distinct types of new attachment with variable degree of regeneration and repair of new cementum, bone, and periodontal fibers. The control group exhibited attachment with a long junctional epithelium. In group I, four defects showed new attachment with periodontal ligament (PDL)-like tissue whereas two defects healed with long junctional epithelium. Five defects in group II displayed new attachment with PDL-like tissue whereas the last defect demonstrated attachment with long junctional epithelium. While in group III, all defects showed new attachment with PDL-like tissues. The histomorphometrical analysis revealed a highly significant increase in the percentage of new bone formation in group III when compared to the other groups, followed by group II then group I, with the least bone formation in the control group. Conclusion The results of the present study indicated that, gelatin sponge loaded with β-tricalcium phosphate with or without CGF (groups I and III) and collagen with CGF (group II), all led to favorable histological outcomes. It was therefore postulated that, the addition of CGF may have been a potentiating material, which could have enhanced periodontal tissue repair.