• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제51권6호
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• pp.398-408
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• 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical validity of the modified tunneling technique using minimal soft tissue harvesting and volume-stable collagen matrix in the anterior mandible. Methods: In total, 27 anterior mandibular teeth and palatal donor sites in 17 patients with ≥1 mm of gingival recession (GR) were analyzed before and after root coverage. For the recipient sites, vertical vestibular incisions were made in the interdental area and a subperiosteal tunnel was created with an elevator. After both sides of the marginal gingiva were tied to one another, a prepared connective tissue graft and volume-stable collagen matrix were inserted through the vestibular vertical incision and were fixed with resorbable suture material. The root coverage results of the recipient site were measured at baseline (T₀), 3 weeks (T₃), 12 weeks (T₁₂), and the latest visit (T_l). For palatal donor sites, a free gingival graft from a pre-decided area avoiding the main trunk of the greater palatine artery was harvested using a prefabricated surgical template at a depth of 2 mm after de-epithelization using a rotating bur. In each patient, the clinical and volumetric changes at the donor sites between T₀ and T₃ were measured. Results: During an average follow-up of 14.5 months, teeth with denuded root lengths of 1-3 mm (n=12), 3-6 mm (n=11), and >6 mm (n=2) achieved root coverage of 97.01%±7.65%, 86.70%±5.66%, and 82.53%±1.39%, respectively. Miller classification I (n=12), II (n=10), and III (n=3) teeth showed mean coverage rates of 97.01%±7.65%, 86.91%±5.90%, and 83.19%±1.62%, respectively. At the donor sites, an average defect depth of 1.41 mm (70.5%) recovered in 3 weeks, and the wounds were epithelized completely in all cases. Conclusions: The modified tunneling technique in this study is a promising treatment modality for overcoming GR in the anterior mandible.