Cell Therapy Based on Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded in a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix for Root Coverage of RT1 Gingival Lesions: An In Vivo Experimental Study

(1) Background: To investigate the effect of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CMX) seeded with autologous gingiva-derived mesenchymal cells (GMSCs) when combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of localized gingival recession type 1 (RT1). (2) Methods: Dehiscence-type defects were created in seven dogs. GMSCs were isolated, transfected with a vector carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expanded. Once chronified, the defects were randomly treated with (1) CAF plus the combination of CMX and GFP+ GMSCs, (2) CAF plus CMX with autologous fibroblasts, (3) CAF plus CMX and (4) CAF alone. Histological and clinical outcomes at 2- and 6-week healing periods were analyzed and compared among groups. (3) Results: Histologically, the addition of autologous cells to the CMX resulted in reduced inflammation and a variable degree of new cementum/bone formation. CMX plus GMSCs resulted in greater mean recession reduction (1.42; SD = 1.88 mm) and percentage of teeth with recession reduction of ≥2 mm (57%) when compared to the other groups, although these differences were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: The histometric and clinical results indicated a positive trend favouring the combination of CMX and GMSCs with the CAF when compared to the groups without cells, although these differences were not statistically significant.