The mucosal released-coronally advanced flap: A novel surgical approach-A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronally advanced flap (CAF) can be a predictable surgical technique for the treatment of gingival recessions. However, the characteristics of the defect (e.g., limited amount of keratinized gingiva or flap tension, etc.) may limit the use of the CAF with a possible requirement of additional surgical interventions (i.e., the use of a tissue graft to be harvested from donor sites or connective tissue substitutes). METHODS: A 28-year-old woman patient, with no history of periodontal disease, came for referral presenting receding gums as a chief complaint, poor esthetics, and dentinal hypersensitivity at the buccal surface of teeth 11, 12, and 13. Clinically, she presented a thick phenotype with gingival recession type, RT1, with detectable cemento-enamel junction (A‒) in the second quadrant. To reduce the need of harvesting soft tissue grafts, the amount of cutting of muscles and vessels from the inner portion of the flap and mitigate the postoperative discomfort associated with the CAF, a novel surgical approach is described here using an advanced flap that incorporates an external incision along the mucogingival junction. RESULTS: The average root coverage achieved with the novel procedure presented in this case report was 95%, along with an increased amount of keratinized gingiva and minimal postoperative patient's discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: The mucosal released CAF is a promising technique in which the CAF technique alone may not be an indication. KEY POINTS: This technique has the following advantages: Reduce the need of harvesting soft tissue grafts. Reduce the amount of cutting of muscles and vessels from the inner portion of the flap. Minimal postoperative discomfort for the patient.