Gingival recession coverage using connective tissue graft and tunnel technique

Gingival recession in the esthetic zone is a frequent clinical challenge that can be effectively managed with an autogenous palatal connective tissue graft in combination with the tunnel technique. This case report presents a 30-year-old patient with Miller Class II gingival recession involving the labial surfaces of the mandibular incisors. The primary objective was to achieve predictable root coverage and improvement in the width of attached gingiva using a minimally invasive tunneling approach. The tunnel technique offers several advantages in the management of multiple gingival recessions. It preserves interdental papillae, enhances vascularization, and provides a tension-free adaptation of the graft. Palatal connective tissue grafts harvested for this purpose demonstrate increased survival due to the dual blood supply from the palatal connective tissue and the overlying marginal gingiva. This biological advantage not only improves graft stability but also enhances the predictability of clinical outcomes. In this case, satisfactory root coverage, increased gingival width, and adequate vestibular depth were observed at the recipient site. The procedure met both functional and esthetic expectations, with the patient expressing high satisfaction with the overall results. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the tunnel technique with autogenous connective tissue grafts in achieving predictable outcomes for recession coverage.