A Clinical Results of Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for Root Coverage

Choi, Kyung Hee; Paik, Jeong Won; Kim, Chang Sung; Choi, Seong Ho; Cho, Kyoo Sung; Kim, Chong Kwan; Chai, Jung Kiu

Abstract

Exposed root surfaces can cause esthetic problems, hypersensitivity, and root caries. Numerous efforts have been tried to cover the recessed root surfaces, and various techniques have been developed and introduced. Among these, subepithelial connective tissue graft which shows high coverage rate in various researches, has the advantage of good color match, less discomfort to the donor site, rich vascularity, and high predictability. Following results were obtained after investigating 6 and 18 months post operatively, 98 cases of subepithelial connective tissue graft from 48 patients who underwent subepithelial connective tissue graft procedure in the department of periodontology, college of dentistry, Yonsei university. 1. The total average root coverage of Miller class I, II & III were 76.2?24% at 6 months follow-up and 75?25.2% at 18 months follow-up with no statistically significant difference between the follow-up periods.(p<0.05) 2. The percentage of teeth showing complete coverage were 41.9% at 6 months follow-up and 39.2% at 18 months follow-up. 3. At 6 months follow-up, Miller classification I showed 84.9?20.7%, class II showed 82.5?17.7%, and class III showed 62.3?24.5% of coverage. In class III recession, statistically significantly less root coverage was observed compared to class I & II.(p<0.05) 4. At 18 months follow-up, Miller classification I showed 92.2?13.5%, class II showed 84.3?17.4%, and class III showed 59.5?24.5% of coverage. In class III recession, statistically significantly less root coverage was observed compared to class I & II.(p<0.05) In conclusion, subepithelial connective tissue graft for class I and II recession can be used as a clinically predictable treatment modality for root coverage.