Analysis of the esthetic outcome after root coverage procedures using a comprehensive approach

There is a reported gap between the relative satisfaction of the clinician and patient after a root coverage procedure. In addition, there may also be a disparity between objective esthetic evaluation tools and subjective satisfaction.

This study included 58 sites in 31 patients who had undergone root coverage procedures. The percentage of root coverage and the root coverage esthetic score system were used as objective measurements. A questionnaire with a five-point ordinal scale was used for subjective evaluation. Initial recession depth and width, Miller classification, tissue biotype, treatment procedures, and follow-up periods were considered as associated factors.

After a period of at least 6 months from the procedure, the patient-perceived outcome showed a better match with the root coverage esthetic scoring system than the percentage of root coverage alone. A lower value for objective outcome was obtained for a deeper gingival recession and higher Miller class, but the subjective outcome displayed a steady trend. All four esthetic results were at their lowest after an epithelialized free soft tissue graft.

An esthetic outcome according to patient satisfaction was not always consistent with that determined by professional scoring. In addition, partial root coverage may be viewed as a positive outcome by patients and clinicians in cases of deep gingival recession and high Miller class.

This study evaluates the esthetic outcome of root coverage procedures using an objective method, including the percentage of root coverage, root coverage esthetic scoring system, and subjective assessment by patient and clinician-based questionnaires. The results will be helpful for the understanding of the differences that exist in esthetic satisfaction.