Long-term comparison of root coverage procedures at single RT2 maxillary gingival recessions: Ten-year extension results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to assess root coverage outcomes 10 years after connective tissue graft plus coronally advanced flap (CTG + CAF) or CAF alone, at single RT2 maxillary gingival recession. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one of the original 29 patients (11 treated with CAF + CTG and 10 with CAF alone) were available for the 10-year follow-up. A blinded and calibrated examiner performed all the measurements. Outcome measures included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction (RecRed), root coverage aesthetic score (RES), and keratinized tissue (KT) gain. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction. Results: CRC was maintained in 63% of the test group and 20% of the control group after 10 years, with a significant difference favouring CAF + CTG (p =.030). Furthermore, the addition of CTG was associated with greater KT gain (p =.0002) and greater papilla tip recession (p =.023) than with CAF at the last follow-up. No difference was detected regarding RecRed, RES, and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Adding CTG under CAF improved the probability of maintaining complete root coverage 10 years after single maxillary RT2 recession treatment.