Coverage of Localized Gingival Recessions--Clinical Comparison of Two Techniques

Objective: Several approaches to the use of a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft have been reported to cover localized gingival recessions. The present study compared the results achieved when the classical technique (Langer & Langer,1985) and the envelope technique (Raetzke,1985 modified by Allen,1994) were used. Methods: Ten subjects, non-smokers, mean age 38.8 years old, presenting 2 Class I or II gingival recessions each, participated. One recession per subject was treated with each technique. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline (after hygienic phase), 3, 6 and 9 months post-operatively. Recordings included: Gingival Index, plaque index (Quigley & Hein), clinical attachment level, vertical recession, horizontal recession, and width of keratinized gingiva. Paired-t-tests were applied. Results: No differences within or between groups were found for gingival or plaque index. Both techniques reduced significantly the vertical and the horizontal recessions from baseline (p<.001), with no difference between them (p>.05). Both techniques provided significant gains in clinical attachment levels (p<.001) and in the width of keratinized gingiva (p<.001), without difference between them. Conclusions: 1. Both techniques are effective in the coverage of Class I and II gingival recessions. 2. Creeping attachment was observed to occur after 3 months and continued throughout the observation period.