Root coverage stability: A systematic overview of controlled clinical trials with at least 5 years of follow-up

A Multifunctional Guide for Non-Carious Cervical Lesion Restoration and Root Coverage Using a Coronally Advanced Flap in the Treatment of Combined Lesions

OBJECTIVES

This case report describes a digital workflow that integrates restorative and surgical planning through the design and fabrication of a multifunctional guide to optimize outcomes in the treatment of combined lesions.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Gingival recessions frequently occur alongside non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), forming combined defects that complicate cementoenamel junction (CEJ) identification and treatment planning. A 40-year-old male presenting with gingival recession and NCCLs on teeth #14 and #15. A restoration was planned to reconstruct the lost CEJ using clinical reference points. A custom surgical guide was subsequently designed to replicate the planned restoration's contour and to delineate the intended incision patterns for the coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure. The CEJ restoration was executed using composite resin, with the guide assisting in achieving precise contouring. Root coverage was then performed using a CAF combined with a connective tissue graft, with the guide facilitating accurate scalpel blade placement during flap preparation. At the one-year follow-up, complete root coverage was observed and the restoration maintained stability in terms of marginal adaptation, color, and surface integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a multifunctional digital guide can enhance the precision of both restorative and surgical procedures in the management of combined gingival recession and NCCL defects, potentially improving treatment predictability and outcomes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This case report highlights the benefits of a 3D-printed multifunctional digital guide for precise CEJ restoration and flap design in treating gingival recessions associated with NCCLs.

Effect of suturing in root coverage via coronally advanced flaps: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

To analyze the evidence about the influence of the suturing technique and material in terms of the percentage of mean root coverage (%MRC) following root coverage therapy in teeth diagnosed with single/localized gingival recession defects (GRD) via a monolaminar coronally advanced flap.

METHODS

The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024514043). A literature search was conducted to identify investigations that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Variables of interest were extracted, subsequently categorized, and qualitatively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 randomized clinical trials, including 301 localized GRD in non-molar sites classified as Miller class I-II/RT1, in 253 patients were included. The studies reporting the combination of sling and single interrupted sutures, or interrupted sutures alone showed an MRC of 70.2%±16.6%, and 74.1%±0.75%, respectively. The highest MRC was observed in the studies using polyglactin 910 with a pooled value of 76.6% ± 15.3%, and monofilament materials, with a pooled MRC of 74.8%±7.1%. When the suturing diameter was evaluated, the highest pooled MRC with values of 79.1%±9.8% was observed with the use of 5-0.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of single/localized GRD in non-molar sites via a monolaminar coronally advanced flap, the use of a combination of sling and single interrupted sutures, or single interrupted sutures, polyglactin 910 or monofilament materials, and material diameter of 5-0 showed a higher MRC as compared to the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and silk with/without dressing, and other suture diameters.

KEY POINTS

There were no differences in the percentage of root coverage achieved between the use of sling and single interrupted, versus single interrupted sutures alone on the treatment of single/localized GRD in non-molar sites. Polyglactin 910 and monofilament sutures resulted in a higher percentage of root coverage achieved as compared to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and silk with/without dressing. The use of 5-0 material diameter showed the highest percentage of root coverage achieved.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study was primarily aimed at evaluating how different suturing techniques and materials could affect the percentage of root coverage in single/localized recession defects, without the use of soft tissue substitutes or autogenous soft tissue grafts. After the pooled analyses of 15 randomized clinical trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, we observed that the adequate selection of suturing techniques, materials, and size could lead to a higher percentage of root coverage. Specifically, the use of single interrupted with or without sling sutures at the most coronal portion, Polyglactin 910 or monofilament materials, and size of 5-0 showed a higher percentage of root coverage as compared to the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and silk with/without dressing, and other suture diameters.

Periodontal Phenotype Modification of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Deficiency Using Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts and Bone Grafts in the Esthetic Region

Peri-implant soft tissue deficiency (PSTD) is a significant factor impacting aesthetics, particularly in the anterior zone, where labial bone resorption and thin peri-implant phenotypes are common. The occurrence of a gray color around the implant fixture due to PSTD can be aesthetically concerning in the esthetic zone. In cases involving natural teeth, autogenous soft tissue grafts such as subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs), free gingival grafts (FGGs), and coronally advanced flaps (CAFs) are commonly utilized. However, there are limited reports of using bone grafts in conjunction with these techniques for modifying the gingival phenotype around both teeth and implants. In the presented cases where PSTD resulted in visible gray coloration of the implant fixture in the esthetic zone, mechanical and chemical decontamination of the exposed implant surface was performed using a titanium brush and tetracycline (Tc) HCl. Subsequently, to enhance peri-implant mucosa thickness and mask the titanium color, simultaneous SCTG and bone grafting procedures were conducted. Within the limitations of these case reports, successful esthetic outcomes were achieved and maintained without recurrence for 3-6 years following the simultaneous subepithelial connective tissue graft and bone graft procedures. These findings suggest the potential efficacy of this combined approach in addressing PSTD and enhancing aesthetic results around dental implants, though further studies are needed to validate these outcomes.

Adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of gingival recessions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the efficacy of Hyaluronic acid as an adjunctive in treatment of gingival recessions (GR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in several electronic databases, including Medline/ PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and LILACS. Recession improvement was evaluated through multiple outcome variables. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool were used to assess the quality of the included trials. Weighted Mean Differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between test and control sites were estimated through meta-analysis using a random-effect model for the amount of Relative Root Coverage (RRC).

RESULTS

A total of 3 randomised studies were deemed as eligible for inclusion. Their data were also used for pooling the effect estimates. Overall analysis of RRC (3 studies) presented a WMD of 7.49% (p = 0.42; 95% CIs -10.88, 25.86) in favour of adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid during Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) technique, although statistical significance was not reached. Statistical heterogeneity was found to be high (I2 = 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limitations, the present data indicate that the local application of Hyaluronic acid does not lead to additional clinical benefits when used as an adjunctive to the treatment of GR with CAF. However, due to the high heterogeneity among the studies, additional well-designed RCTs are needed to provide further evidence on this clinical indication for the use of Hyaluronic acid.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In the frame of the current review, the adjunctive use of Hyaluronic acid does not additionally improve the clinical outcomes obtained during treatment of GR with CAF.

Xenogeneic collagen matrix vs. connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recession: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review (SR) compared the effect of xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) vs. connective tissue graft (CTG) for the treatment of multiple gingival recession (MGR) Miller Class I and II or Cairo type I. Five databases were searched up to August 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical effects of XCM vs. CTG in the treatment of MGR. The random effects model of mean differences was used to determine reduction of gingival recession (GR), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), gain in gingival thickness (GT) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). The risk ratio was used to complete root coverage (CRC) at 6 and 12 months. 10 RCTs, representing 1095 and 649 GR at 6 and 12 months, respectively, were included in this SR. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in GR reduction, KTW gain GT gain or CAL gain between groups at 6 months. However, at 12 months of follow-up, differences favoring the control group were observed (p < 0.05). CRC was significantly higher in the CTG group at 6 and 12 months. Regarding dentine hypersensitivity (DH), no statistically significant differences were found between groups at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.05). At 12 months, CTG showed significantly superior clinical results in the treatment of MGR: however, this difference was not observed in the decrease of DH.

Efficacy of acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix graft in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix graft (AXDM) compared to connective tissue graft (CTG) in treating multiple gingival recessions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared AXDM and CTG. The selected studies were subjected to bias risk assessment, data extraction, and meta-analyses. Parameters such as gingival recession height, width, mean percentage of root coverage, and complete root coverage were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 146 patients were included. The meta-analyses indicated that CTG was statistically superior to AXDM in reducing gingival recession height at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.104 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.180-0.028, p = 0.008) and width at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.285 mm, 95% CI: -0.541-0.030, p = 0.029). CTG also demonstrated a significantly higher mean percentage of root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (difference in means: -2.761 mm, 95% CI: -4.932-0.590, p = 0.013) and a higher percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (odds Ratio [OR]: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.4-0.892, p = 0.012) compared to AXDM. However, there was no significant difference in the number of teeth with complete root coverage between CTG and AXDM (OR: 1.610, 95% CI: 0.983-2.636, p = 0.058) and aesthetic outcomes (mean difference: 0.148, 95% CI: -0.277-0.573, p = 0.494).

CONCLUSIONS

CTG is more effective than AXDM in treating multiple gingival recessions. This is evidenced by significant reductions in gingival recession height and width, a higher mean percentage of root coverage, and a greater percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In some clinical situations an alternative to CTG is required for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions. AXDM, despite presenting clinical outcomes that are not as satisfactory as CTG, can be used for this purpose.

Long-term stability of gingival margin and periodontal soft-tissue phenotype achieved after mucogingival therapy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was two-fold: (i) to evaluate the long-term (≥5 years) stability of the gingival margin position, keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) in sites that underwent root coverage (RC) or gingival augmentation (GA); and (ii) to assess the influence of different local variables on the long-term stability of dental and gingival tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs reporting short-term (i.e., 6-12 months after baseline surgical intervention) and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up data after surgical treatment of adult patients presenting single or multiple mucogingival deformities, defined as sites presenting gingival recession defects (GRDs) and/or (KTW) deficiency (i.e., <2 mm), were considered eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published up to 15 May 2023. Mixed-effects multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between KTW, type of surgical procedure and time (i.e., independent variables) on the stability of the gingival margin in sites that received RC or GA therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 2569 potentially eligible records, 41 (reporting 40 studies) met the eligibility criteria. Graphical estimates including data from all RC procedures found an upward trend in recession depth (RD) increase over time. Conversely, it was observed that in 63.63% of RC studies and in 59.32% of RC treatment arms KTW increased over time, particularly in sites treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs). Conversely, sites that underwent GA procedures generally exhibited an overall reduction of KTW over time. However, sites treated with free gingival grafts (FGGs) showed a decrease in RD after 10 years of follow-up. Three main findings derived from the pooled estimates were identified: (i) Gingival margin stability was associated with the amount of KTW present during short-term assessment (i.e. the greater the KTW at 6-12 months after treatment, the more stable the gingival margin). (ii) The use of autogenous soft-tissue grafts was associated with lower RD increase over time. (iii) Treatment approaches that contribute to the three-dimensional enhancement of the gingival phenotype, as clearly demonstrated by FGG, were associated with gingival margin stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of apical migration of the gingival margin appears to be directly related to the amount of KTW and GT upon tissue maturation. Interventions involving the use of autogenous grafts, either SCTG or FGG, are associated with greater short-term KTW gain and lower RD increase over time.

Long-term stability (21-30 years) of root coverage outcomes using sub-epithelial connective tissue grafts at single or multiple gingival recessions: A longitudinal case series

AIM

To evaluate outcomes and predictive factors for the long-term stability of root coverage using a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred and two healthy subjects (221 gingival recessions, GRs) were treated from 1987 to 1996. Keratinized tissue width (KTW), GR depth (RD), GR width (RW) and GR area (RA) were evaluated at baseline (M0) and at 1 month (M1), 1 year (M2), 11 years (M3), 21 years (M4) and 27 years (M5) after surgery. Primary outcomes consisted of complete root coverage (cRC) and relative dimensional changes in recession depth (measured in mm [c%-RD]), recession width (measured in mm [c%-RW]) and recession area (measured in mm2 [c%-RA]).

RESULTS

cRC was 88.7% at 1 year (M2), 59.8% at M3, 44.4% at M4 and 51.9% at M5. Average c%-RD was 95.2% at 1 year, 81.9% at M3, 71.5% at M4 and 81.7% at M5. KTW increased after surgery and over time and was positively correlated with favourable outcomes. Increased baseline RA was associated with less favourable clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The sub-epithelial connective tissue graft is effective in the treatment of GRs and facilitates long-term stability of clinical outcomes. Wider baseline RA was a strong predictor of unfavourable short- and long-term RC outcomes.

Periodontal Phenotype Modification Using Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and Bone Graft in the Mandibular Anterior Teeth with Mucogingival Problems Following Orthodontic Treatment

Among the complications of orthodontic treatment, mucogingival problems with gingival recession in the mandibular anterior teeth are challenging for clinicians. Mucogingival problems can lead to esthetic deficits, thermal hypersensitivity, tooth brushing pain, and complicated plaque control. Herein, we present a case of a 16-year-old female with gingival recession in the left mandibular central incisor after orthodontic treatment. The preoperative clinical findings showed a thin soft tissue biotype with root prominence in the mandibular anterior area. The interdental area was relatively depressed. After reflection of the full-thickness flap, root coverage using a bone graft substitute and subepithelial connective tissue graft obtained from the palatal mucosa was performed. The 6-month and 5-year postoperative clinical findings showed improved soft tissue phenotype. The cross-sectional CBCT scans 5 years after surgery showed a well-maintained labial bone plate in the mandibular incisors. Within the limitations of this case report, for patients with gingival recession in the mandibular incisors after orthodontic treatment, a successful biotype modification can be achieved with a combined procedure using subepithelial connective tissue graft with bone graft substitutes.

Soft-Tissue Augmentation around Dental Implants with a Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) and Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix (CMX)-5-Year Follow-Up

Proper horizontal and vertical thickness of the gingival connective tissue has been proven to be one of the success criteria in dental implant and reconstructive surgery. When thin tissue is found, gingiva augmentation methods can be used to increase the quality and volume of the tissue. Many methods have been described, among them pedicle soft-tissue flaps or autogenic tissue grafts. As an alternative to patients' own tissue, xenogenic materials can be used for grafting. The fundamental issue is to choose a material that will ensure the maximum therapeutic effect, while also minimizing the negative influence on the patient's health. The aim of this study was to compare gingival augmentation procedures using a palatal connective tissue graft (CTG) and an xenogenic soft-tissue substitute, Geistlich Mucograft (xenogeneic collagen matrix; CMX), and assess whether the timing of the graft surgery influences the clinical outcomes. The original study was a randomized control trial with a total of 75 implants placed. The patients received the soft-tissue thickening 3 months before the implant placement or 3 months after the implant placement (depending on the group). A connective tissue graft (CTG) or Geistlich Mucograft were used (depending on the group). For both the CTG and Geistlich Mucograft, better clinical outcomes were observed for maintaining the alveolar bone level and the thickness of the attached gingiva compared to the control group with no gingival augmentation. The Geistlich Mucograft showed good clinical performance in comparison to the control. Soft-tissue augmentation with the CTG before the implant placement was found to be most efficient method in terms of a stable increase of the tissue thickness since, throughout the entire observation period, the greatest increase of 1.035 mm (SD = 0.73 mm) in thickness was observed. Statistically important differences in the tissue thickness baseline compared after 5 years were observed for groups G1 vs. G2b (no augmentation vs. CTG before), G1 vs. G3b (no augmentation vs. CTG after) and for groups G2b vs. G3a (CTG before vs. CMX after).

Recession coverage using the modified coronally advanced tunnel and connective tissue graft with or without enamel matrix derivative: 5-year results of a randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the 5-year results of single and multiple recession type (RT) 1 and 2 (Miller I to III) recessions treated with the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and connective tissue graft (CTG) with or without an enamel matrix derivative (EMD). The main outcome variable was the stability of obtained root coverage from 6 months to 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 24 patients, both complete and mean root coverage (CRC and MRC) and gain of keratinised tissue (KT) were assessed at 6 months and 5 years after recession coverage by means of MCAT and CTG with or without EMD. Aesthetic outcomes after 5 years were evaluated using the root coverage aesthetic score (RES).

RESULTS

At 5 years, 24 patients with a total of 43 recessions were evaluated. Eight patients (57.14%) of the test and 6 (60.0%) of the control group showed complete root coverage. MRC revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups, with 73.87 ± 26.83% (test) and 75.04 ± 22.06% (control), respectively. KT increased from 1.14 ± 0.57 mm to 3.07 ± 2.27 mm in the test group and from 1.24 ± 0.92 mm to 3.02 ± 1.55 mm in the control group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of single and multiple RT 1 and 2 recessions by means of MCAT and CTG with or without EMD yielded comparable clinical improvements which could be maintained over a period of 5 years. The additional use of EMD did not influence the clinical outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of MCAT + CTG yielded successful coverage of single and multiple RT 1 and 2 gingival recessions, while the additional application of EMD did not seem to influence the results.

Long-Term Clinical Assessment of Two Modifications of Tunnel Technique in Treatment of Cairo Recession Type 1 in Lower Jaw

AIM

The aim of this study is to compare long-term results after using an MCAT (Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel) with an SCTG (Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft) or an MCAT with CM (Collagen Matrices) in the treatment of Cairo recession Type 1 in mandibular single-rooted teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study encompassed 80 recessions in 18 patients for whom an MCAT was combined with CM on one side of the mandible and with an SCTG on the contralateral one. The following clinical parameters were measured: gingival recession height (GR) and width (RW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), width of keratinized tissue (KT), gingival thickness (GT), and mean (MRC).

RESULTS

The MRC on the CM- and SCTG-treated sides was 55.25% and 82.35%, respectively. The SCTG side had a significantly greater improvement in MRC, GR, RW, KT, and GT compared to the CM side. The five-year results were stable relative to one-year observations.

CONCLUSIONS

Both methods of treatment enable the achievement of stable long-term clinical results. Application of subepithelial connective tissue grafts is more effective relative to clinical parameters.

Comparison between a xenogeneic dermal matrix and connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions: a randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM

To compare the outcomes of modified coronally advanced flap (mCAF) combined with either xenogeneic dermal matrix (XDM) or connective tissue graft (CTG) for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients, in whom 130 maxillary (MAGRs) of type (RT1) were found, were randomly allocated to the two groups. Clinical, esthetic, and patient-centered outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

RESULT

Group CAF+ CTG exhibited a higher mean root coverage value (mRC) (91.79%) (primary outcome variable) than group CAF+XDM (80.19%) without statistically significant difference at 12 months (p=0.06). The control group also had significantly higher percentage of teeth in which complete root coverage (CRC) and mean gain of gingival thickness (GT) were achieved, than the test group (p<0.05). With respect to patient-centered outcomes, patients of the test group reported having experienced significantly less pain than those of the control group until 7 days (p<0.05). Both surgical approaches were capable of significantly decreasing dentin hypersensitivity (p<0.05). No difference between groups was found in the esthetic score analysis (p>0.05). Mean surgical time was lower in the test group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The two treatments showed similar mRC. However, CAF+CTG was superior to CAF+XDM in providing CRC and in gaining GT. CAF+XDM demonstrated advantages over CAF+CTG with regard to patient morbidity and surgical time.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Application of XDM provided a better patient experience and shortened the time to recovery after coronally advanced flaps for coverage of multiple adjacent recessions. However, CTG resulted in improved percentages of complete root coverage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) number: RBR-974c9j.