A Single-Step Root Coverage Procedure Using Modified Bridge Flap Technique and De-epithelialized Gingival Unit Graft: A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: The mucogingival conditions associated with the recession defects at the mandibular anterior region, not only make plaque control difficult to be performed by the patient but also pose a problem in passively advancing the tissues at the recipient site. This surgical technique is used to treat multiple recession defects in the mandibular anterior region. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five sites in 17 subjects (11 women and 6 men) underwent modified bridge flap and de-epithelized gingival unit graft (d-GUG) as a single-step treatment modality to cover the denuded root surface, as well as increase the width of keratinized gingiva in recession type 1 gingival recession defects in the mandibular anterior region. Results: Nearly 60% of sites in our study showed complete root coverage, with a mean root coverage percentage of 88.08%. Furthermore, keratinized tissue width, keratinized tissue thickness as well as vestibular depth showed statistically significant increases as compared to baseline levels. Conclusion: Thus, the modified bridge flap technique using d-GUG within the limitations of our study design, showed promising results in terms of recession coverage as well as management of the difficult mucogingival conditions at the mandibular anterior region.

Keywords

• gingival recession
• periodontal surgery
• soft-tissue grafts