Comparative evaluation of chorion allograft and sub-epithelial connective tissue autograft for the treatment of isolated mandibular recession with laterally closed tunnel (LCT) technique- A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Mandibular recession remains challenging because of anatomical limitations, including frenulum attachment, tooth position, and vestibular depth. The laterally closed tunnel (LCT) technique offers a minimally invasive approach for root coverage. This pilot study compared the effectiveness of LCT with chorion membrane (CM) allograft and subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) in isolated mandibular Miller's Class I, II, and III recessions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Six healthy patients with isolated mandibular recession defects ≥3 mm were treated with LCT combined with either CM (test group) or CTG (control group). Three patients received CTG and three received CM. The primary outcome was complete root coverage (CRC) at 12 months.

RESULTS

No significant postoperative complications were observed. At 12 months, CRC was achieved in 4 of 6 defects (75%), including 3 in the control group and 1 in the test group. The remaining defects exhibited 75% and 66% root coverage. Mean recession depth decreased from 4.00 mm to 0.00 mm in the control group and from 3.67 mm to 0.67 mm in the test group. Keratinized gingival width increased similarly in both groups. Mean root coverage was 100% in the control group and 75% in the test group (P = 0.193).

CONCLUSION

LCT with CM appears to be a promising alternative to CTG for isolated mandibular recession treatment. Larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate potential advantages, including reduced donor-site morbidity.