The double lateral bridging flap for coverage of denuded root surface: longitudinal study and clinical evaluation after 5 to 8 years.

Longitudinal results of a 5 to 8 year follow-up study of the double lateral bridging flap for coverage of gingival recessions (GR) are presented. On a total of 75 GR in 18 patients (31 surgical procedures) the majority of the teeth (58%) showed a root denudation reduction of 75% or more. Total coverage was observed on 18 teeth (24%). Examinations did not show a high correlation between the extent of recession and bone dehiscence after surgery, between the degree of root coverage and the initial width of keratinized gingiva, or between the GR before and after surgery. We conclude that neither the quantity of gingival recession nor the quality of the supporting tissues were a prerequisite for the success of this surgical technique.