Treatment of multiple areas of gingival recession using a simple harvesting technique for autogenous connective tissue graft.

BACKGROUND

A clinical case is presented describing a simple approach to harvest a connective tissue graft from the palate. This technique involves partial palatal deepithelialization and procurement of a layer of thin and uniform abundant connective tissue to treat multiple areas of gingival recession.

METHODS

A 52-year-old European American male was referred for treatment of root sensitivity associated with gingival recession stemming from toothbrush abrasion. The areas of gingival recession associated with teeth #18 through #22 and teeth #27 through #31 were classified as Miller Class III gingival recession. A tunnel technique was planned for both areas in the mandible. The right palate, which served as the donor site, was deepithelialized, and a large connective tissue graft approximately 1 mm thick was harvested. A periodontal probe was used to pass the graft through the tunnel, and the grafted areas were sutured using one or two vertical mattress sutures per interdental area.

RESULTS

The patient was followed until complete healing was achieved. At 3 months, there was improvement in gingival thickness, keratinized tissue width, and root coverage. Complete root coverage occurred in three of the 10 treated teeth, and the remaining teeth obtained 80% to 90% root coverage. The patient's root sensitivity symptoms were resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique is practical and simple to perform. This approach, involving partial palatal deepithelialization and the applied tunnel surgical procedure, resulted in a successful clinical outcome with increased gingival tissue thickness, keratinized tissue, and root coverage.