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Updated: Aug 14, 2025

A Novel Approach to Monitoring Graft Neovascularization in the Human Gingiva
Published on: January 12, 2019
Long-term comparison of root coverage procedures at single RT2 maxillary gingival recessions: Ten-year extension
Francesco Cairo1, Pierpaolo Cortellini2,3, Luigi Barbato1
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit in Periodontology and Periodontal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Aim:
The purpose of the present study was to assess root coverage outcomes 10 years after connective tissue graft plus coronally advanced flap (CTG + CAF) or CAF alone, at single RT2 maxillary gingival recession.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-one of the original 29 patients (11 treated with CAF + CTG and 10 with CAF alone) were available for the 10-year follow-up. A blinded and calibrated examiner performed all the measurements. Outcome measures included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction (RecRed), root coverage aesthetic score (RES), and keratinized tissue (KT) gain. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction.
Results:
CRC was maintained in 63% of the test group and 20% of the control group after 10 years, with a significant difference favouring CAF + CTG (p = .030). Furthermore, the addition of CTG was associated with greater KT gain (p = .0002) and greater papilla tip recession (p = .023) than with CAF at the last follow-up. No difference was detected regarding RecRed, RES, and patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
Adding CTG under CAF improved the probability of maintaining complete root coverage 10 years after single maxillary RT2 recession treatment.

