Treatment of deep single RT2 and RT3 antero-mandibular gingival recessions with a combination of surgical techniques: A case series study

Abstract

Objective To evaluate root coverage (RC) in deep single antero-mandibular RT2 and RT3 gingival recessions (GR) and to investigate the influence of several factors in RC. Materials and Methods Fifteen single antero-mandibular GR with a minimum depth of 3 mm were consecutively treated with a new one-stage technique (laterally positioned flap with a tunnel access and a connective tissue graft). At baseline and at 12-month follow-up, the percentage of mean root coverage (%MRC), the recession reduction (RecRed), complete root coverage (CRC) and the gain of keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed. Descriptive, intergroup comparative and correlation analyses were performed. Results At 12 months, a %MRC of 77.29 ± 21.48% with a mean RecRed of 4.10 ± 1.51 mm was achieved. The %MRC was 84.71 ± 21.08% in RT2, and 62.43 ± 14.17% in RT3. The mean gain of KTW was 2.10 ± 0.89 mm, with a mean gain of 2.0 ± 1.03 mm for RT2 and 2.3 ± 0.57 mm for RT3. CRC was observed in six cases, all of them being RT2. A positive association was found between the %MRC and the initial position of the tooth and of both papillae. Conclusions This technique might be a valuable approach for the treatment of deep single antero-mandibular RT2 and RT3 recessions, even in malpositioned teeth. Clinical Significance A combination of different surgical techniques could provide greater vascularization to the CTG especially in malpositioned teeth in sextant V with a large avascular area to be covered.