Localized gingival recessions treated with the original envelope technique: a report of 50 consecutive patients

The surgical techniques used to treat gingival recession have changed considerably in the last 50 years. The envelope technique described nearly 20 years ago still offers an excellent alternative for the problem of recession. The purpose of this retrospective study is to show the results of 115 recession sites treated in 50 patients using the envelope technique.

One hundred-fifteen consecutive procedures were performed in 50 patients in a private practice in the last 5 years using the envelope technique. Briefly, the teeth are scaled, a split thickness flap is performed around the recession, a subepithelial connective tissue graft is harvested from the palate and placed over the recession, and sutured with 6-0 silk. Four cases representing different types of recession will be reviewed and all cases will be analyzed.

In general, this surgical method provided excellent root coverage and an increased amount of keratinized gingiva. The complete root coverage mean was 85%, 65%, and 16% for recession Class I, II, and IV, respectively.

The cases support the use of the envelope technique to treat different types of single and multiple recessions.