[Root coverage: Prognostic factors and surgical techniques]

Gingival recession is an oral exposure of the root surface due to an apical displacement of the gingival margin below the cemento-enamel junction. The root coverage is indicated for esthetic reasons, to reduce root hypersensitivity and to create or to augment keratinized tissue. Several surgical techniques have been described, the decision depending on anatomical and technical parameters. The main therapeutic goal is to achieve complete root coverage (CRC) and a satisfactory esthetic result. The purpose of this work was to make an update on the different factors that determine the success of root coverage and to evaluate the efficacy of different surgical techniques reported in literature.