Comparative Evaluation of Cairo's RT I and RT II Gingival Recession Defects with Pouch and Tunnel Technique and Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access with Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane.

BACKGROUND

Gingival recession causes apical migration of the gingival margins, resulting in exposed root surfaces that lead to sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and potential oral health issues. The pouch and tunnel (P and T) and vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) techniques are both effective, minimally invasive approaches for root coverage, as both enhance aesthetic outcomes while preserving blood supply and minimizing surgical trauma.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of P and T and VISTA, combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane in the treatment of gingival recession defects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial included 12 systemically healthy patients presenting with bilateral isolated gingival recession defects. Patients were allocated into two groups: Group A (P and T + PRF membrane) and Group B (VISTA + PRF membrane). Clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession length (RL), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), and mean root coverage percentage (MRC), were measured at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Results indicated significant improvement in both groups in all clinical parameters. However, Group A demonstrated greater reductions in RL, RW, and gain in CAL and WKT, along with a statistically significantly higher root coverage percentage at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The usage of the pouch and tunnel technique, combining the PRF membrane, demonstrated superior efficacy, highlighting its potential as an effective regenerative approach.