Prevention of gingival recession following flap debridement surgery by subepithelial connective tissue graft: consecutive case series.

BACKGROUND

Surgical debridement with flap repositioning may result in significant gingival recession. This manuscript reports on a series of cases that were treated for deep periodontal pockets by flap debridement surgery combined with subepitheial connective tissue graft for the prevention of postoperative recession.

METHODS

Fourteen patients (27 teeth) with deep periodontal pockets and bone loss in the mandibular central incisors area underwent flap debridement combined with subepithelial connective tissue graft. Probing depth, recession depth, and clinical attachment levels were recorded prior to surgery, 6 months post-surgery, and again 19 to 58 months post-surgery.

RESULTS

Mean probing depth at baseline was 6.20 mm, while 6 months post-surgery it was 1.97 mm (P < 0.0001), and 19 to 58 months after surgery it was 1.32 mm. Clinical attachment level measurements followed the same pattern (baseline 9.37 mm, 6 months 3.29 mm, final examination 2.00 mm). While the mean recession depth at baseline was 3.17 mm, 6 months post-surgery it was reduced to 1.30 mm (P < 0.0001). Additional reduction in recession depth was recorded over time.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of a single group study, the results suggest that flap debridement combined with subepithelial connective tissue graft, followed by maintenance therapy, is an effective procedure for maintaining long-term periodontal health and for prevention of postoperative gingival recession in the mandibular anterior dentition.