Clinical evaluation of increase in the width of attached gingiva using modified apically repositioned flap: A 9-month follow-up study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the increase in the width of attached gingiva (AG) in single/multiple adjacent teeth using variation of modified apically repositioned flap (MARF). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 systemically healthy controls with inadequate width of AG were recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all the individuals, variation of MARF technique was performed to increase the width of AG. Outcomes of the surgical techniques were measured in terms of probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, width of AG, and width of keratinized gingiva (KG). The results were followed up at 3 months and continued till 9 months to confirm the stability of results. Results: Treatment with this procedure resulted in a significant increase in the width of the KG and AG. The increase in KG ranged from baseline (2.0 mm) to 3.85 mm at 3rd month and the results were stable till 9th month (P < 0.001), and the increase in AG ranged from baseline (1.0 mm) to 2.85 mm at 3rd month and the results were stable till 9th month (P < 0.001). Conclusion: MARF is an effective technique in increasing the width of the keratinized tissue and AG around teeth and also offers considerable advantages over other mucogingival surgery techniques.

Keywords

• Attached gingiva
• esthetics
• inadequate width
• modified apically repositioned flap
• mucogingival surgery