Gingival recession coverage with a modified tunnel connective tissue graft technique – case report

Gingival recessions are a more and more common pathology

of multifactorial aetiology. They may affect individual teeth

or be generalised. Studies have shown that the incidence

of gingival recession increases with age. Recession is

accompanied by loss of the connective tissue attachment

and exposure of tooth root surfaces, what may lead to tooth

hypersensitivity, root caries, non-carious defects, impaired

control of the dental plaque and unsatisfactory aesthetic

outcomes. Aim. The aim of the paper was to present

treatment of a female patient with advanced gingival

recessions in the area of upper canines with a modified

tunnel technique, with a free connective tissue graft taken

from the palate. Material and methods. Treatment included

a surgical method of gingival recession treatment consisting

of a modified tunnel technique, with a free connective tissue graft harvested from the palate that was introduced via

a tunnel into the donor site. Results. 2 years after the

procedure recession coverage and increased zone of the

attached gingiva was observed. Conclusions. The modified

tunnel connective tissue graft technique used to treat the

gingival recession allowed to achieve satisfactory aesthetic

outcomes and effective elimination of hypersensitivity, and it

reduced the risk of tooth caries. (Matejkowski B, Bogusławska-

Kapała A, Strużycka I. Gingival recession coverage with

a modified tunnel connective tissue graft technique – case

report. Orthod Forum 2018; 14: 344-52).