Complete root coverage in severe gingival recession with unfavorable prognosis using the tunneling technique

Abstract

Gingival recession defined as the apical migration of the gingival margin leads to the exposure of root surface. This in turn may lead to compromised esthetics, dentine hypersensitivity and attachment loss. Severe gingival recession is typically managed surgically. However, achieving complete root coverage in cases of severe gingival recession, especially in the mandibular canine region is quite challenging. Different surgical techniques have been described in the literature to manage this condition. Tunnelling technique is one such technique which has shown promising results. Use of connective tissue graft with tunnelling technique has demonstrated favorable results in cases with mild to moderate gingival recession. Here we report a case where connective tissue graft was used in conjunction with tunnelling technique to achieve complete root coverage despite severe gingival recession and unfavorable prognosis.

Keywords

• periodontics
• dentine hypersensitivity
• gingival recession
• dental esthetics