Coronally Advanced Flap for Root Coverage: A 2-Year Case Series Follow-up

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Gingival recession (GR) affects numerous individuals, impacting aesthetics and periodontal health.
• The coronally advanced flap (CAF) is a common surgical technique for root coverage, but its long-term efficacy remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the coronally advanced flap (CAF) in achieving root coverage for Miller Class I gingival recession (GR).
• To assess changes in periodontal parameters and postoperative morbidity associated with CAF treatment over a 2-year period.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 24 patients with Miller Class I GRs treated with CAF by a single experienced surgeon.
• Assessment of root coverage (RC), keratinized gingival width, keratinized papillary gingival height, gingival thickness, and postoperative pain at baseline, 3, 6, and 24 months.

Main Results:

• Mean root coverage was 80.35% at 3 months, significantly decreasing to 58.56% at 24 months.
• Keratinized gingival width, papillary height, and gingival thickness at 6 months correlated with RC.
• Postoperative pain levels did not show statistically significant differences over time.

Conclusions:

• The coronally advanced flap (CAF) provides initial root coverage for Miller Class I GRs but demonstrates a significant decline in effectiveness by 24 months.
• CAF is not a predictable long-term treatment for Miller Class I gingival recession.
• Surgical outcomes may be influenced by specific periodontal parameters measured at 6 months post-procedure.