Achieving Clinical Success in Root Coverage and Aesthetic Improvement by Using Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts: A Report of Two Cases

Cureus. 2024 Oct 25;16(10):e72358. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72358. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Over the years, several modalities have been established to treat gingival recession. Nonetheless, subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SECTGs) remain a dependable technique for root coverage, mainly due to their superior vascularization. However, the procurement of the CTG is susceptible to technique sensitivity; consequently, various methodologies have emerged to harvest CTGs to mitigate donor site trauma. In this article, we present two clinical cases of gingival recession addressed by the application of SECTGs. Both instances involved patients in good health with localized gingival recession measuring 6 mm and 7 mm in the mandibular incisors. The grafts were procured from the hard palate to rectify the recession areas. This report emphasizes the importance of minimizing trauma to the donor site, alleviating postoperative discomfort, and achieving complete root coverage at the recipient site with a favorable aesthetic result. Follow-up assessments at the first, fourth, and eighth weeks revealed the achievement of full root coverage and the patients reported satisfaction with reduced postoperative discomfort.

Keywords: class i and class ii gingival recession; esthetic restoration; periodontal plastic surgeries; root coverage; single incision; sub epithelial connective tissue graft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports