Long-term comparison of root coverage procedures at single RT2 maxillary gingival recessions: Ten-year extension results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to assess root coverage outcomes 10 years after connective tissue graft plus coronally advanced flap (CTG + CAF) or CAF alone, at single RT2 maxillary gingival recession.Materials and Methods: Twenty-one of the original 29 patients (11 treated with CAF + CTG and 10 with CAF alone) were available for the 10-year follow-up. A blinded and calibrated examiner performed all the measurements. Outcome measures included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction (RecRed), root coverage aesthetic score (RES), and keratinized tissue (KT) gain. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction.Results: CRC was maintained in 63% of the test group and 20% of the control group after 10 years, with a significant difference favouring CAF + CTG (p = .030). Furthermore, the addition of CTG was associated with greater KT gain (p = .0002) and greater papilla tip recession (p = .023) than with CAF at the last follow-up. No difference was detected regarding RecRed, RES, and patient satisfaction.Conclusions: Adding CTG under CAF improved the probability of maintaining complete root coverage 10 years after single maxillary RT2 recession treatment.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of root coverage after connective tissue graft plus coronally advanced flap (CTG + CAF) or CAF alone in maxillary gingival recession. After 10 years, the test group showed a significantly higher rate of complete root coverage compared to the control group. In addition, the addition of CTG resulted in greater keratinized tissue gain and papilla tip recession. There were no differences in recession reduction, root coverage aesthetic score, and patient satisfaction.