Multiple Recessions Coverage Using the Modified Tunnel Technique and Connective Tissue Graft with or Without Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid: 2-Year Outcomes of RCT

Abstract

There is continuing interest in using biologics in root coverage procedures. The aim of the present study was to explore the 2-year outcomes following multiple gingival recessions (GRs) coverage using the application of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in combination with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) together with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Adopting a split-mouth design, 266 GRs were randomly allocated to either a test (MCAT + SCTG + HA) or control group (MCAT + SCTG). The main outcome variable was the stability of the obtained mean root coverage from 6 months to 24 months. Twenty-four patients were evaluated at the 2-year follow-up. Comparisons between test and control sides at the same time points were evaluated using the t-test for independent variables. The changes in time were compared by one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post hoc test separately for the test and control groups. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05045586). At 2 years, around ninety percent of recessions showed complete root coverage (87.02% of the test group and 91.90% of the control group). Mean root coverage did not differ between the two sides, with 81.37 ± 37.17% (test) and 84.63 ± 35.33% (control), respectively. Significant improvements in the reduction of gingival recession height, clinical attachment level gain, gingival thickness increase, and the root esthetic score were found in both groups after 2 years, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. The adjunctive application of HA significantly improved soft tissue texture (STT, 0.94 ± 0.23 for the test group vs. 0.71 ± 0.46 for the control group). Treatment of multiple gingival recessions with MCAT + SCTG with or without HA yielded marked and comparable 2-year clinical outcomes, which could be maintained over a period of 24 months. The clinical relevance of the demonstrated significant difference in STT between groups may be minimal.

Keywords

• connective tissue graft
• gingival recession
• hyaluronic acid
• tunnel technique