Objective: To study the clinical applicability of porcine dermal matrix for treatment of recession type defects.
Method and Materials: Twenty-eight gingival recessions in six patients were selected for root coverage procedures using a modified tunneling technique and porcine dermal matrix. As primary outcome, depth and width of gingival recession were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. As a secondary outcome, the width of keratinized tissue was studied.
Results: At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, mean root coverage was 65.52% and 56.82%, respectively. Complete root coverage was achieved in 42.86% of the treated defects.
Conclusion: Porcine dermal matrix may potentially be used as a replacement material for autologous tissue. However, complete root coverage was only achieved in less than half of the studied defects.

Keywords: porcine dermal matrix, root coverage, tunneling technique