Evaluation of alteration in mucogingival line location following use of subepithelial connective tissue graft.

AIM AND

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the positional changes that occur in mucogingival line following the use of subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In 19 Miller class I or II gingival recession defects, distance between mucogingival line (MGL) and cemento-enamel junction, also width of keratinized and attached gingiva, and clinical attachment level were measured. SCTG were used for covering the exposed roots. A fore mentioned parameters were repeated at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and alterations were measured. Paired t test was used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

MGL had been moved in coronal direction (4.39 +/- 0.77 mm on average) during surgical approach. After 1 year, MGL shifted 2.11 +/- 0.7 mm apically. In accordance with this apical shift, a significant increase in the width of keratinized and attached gingival width (2.89 +/- 0.63 mm and 2.82 +/- 0.5 mm, respectively) was seen (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MGL tended to revert back to its original position following the use of SCTG, and this reversion is accompanied with an increase in the keratinized and attached gingival width.