Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of root coverage treatment with subepithelial connective tissue grafting. Forty-two sites of facial gingival recession in 10 patients (3 males and 7 females) were treated. Probing attachment level, vertical recession, horizontal recession, width of keratinized tissue, plaque index and bleeding on probing were assessedbefore surgery and then at 6 month intervals after surgery. Furthermore, we examined healing morphology on the rootsurface following subepithelial connective tissue graft treatment in dogs.
1) The mean root coverage obtained with subepithelial connective tissue grafting was73.95±32.27%.
2) The root coverage of upper tooth was significantly more effective than that with lower tooth. And the root coverage of anterior tooth was significantly more effective than that with posterior tooth.
3) There was no significant root coverage effect in width of horizontal recession, but a statistically significant root coverage effect was obtained in the depth of vertical recession.
4) The healing type of long junctional epithelium attachment was observed after subepithelial connective tissue grafting in a canine model, based on histological analysis.
The donor site wound healed very well without postoperativediscomfort. This subepithelial connective tissue graft survives due to the assistance of a double blood supply from the periosteum and labial flap. These results suggest that subepithelial connective tissue grafting represents a predictable procedure for improving gingival recession.
