Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix: An Alternative to Connective Tissue Graft—A Narrative Review

Abstract

Porcine acellular dermal matrix has recently been introduced in dentistry as an alternative to the gold standard connective tissue graft especially for the use in gingival recession treatments and soft tissue augmentation in implant surgery. Connective tissue grafts are inconvenient and require a second surgical site leading to greater morbidity, longer surgical procedures, and a more painful postoperative phase for the patient. Other options such as allografts have ethical concerns and are less available in Europe. Thus, dental professionals have sought other techniques and materials. Porcine acellular dermal matrix results in periodontal recession treatment with a gain in recession coverage as well as increased keratinized tissue and soft tissue augmentation. This leads to more keratinized mucosa and greater tissue thickness. Many studies have been published using collagen matrices, but a few strictly use porcine acellular dermal matrix, which have been studied in prospective randomized clinical trials with a large number of patients and longer follow-up periods (more than 5 years). Nevertheless, more data are needed to confirm that the porcine acellular dermal matrix is a suitable alternative although its favourable results to date suggest a positive future.