The connective tissue with partial thickness double pedicle graft: the results of 100 consecutively-treated defects

Obtaining predictable root coverage has been a goal of periodontal therapy for some time. The connective tissue with partial thickness double pedicle graft has been shown to produce predictable esthetic root coverage. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of the surgical technique on 100 consecutively treated defects. The procedure produced a mean root coverage of 97.7%. Root coverage of 100% was obtained 89% of the time. With this technique, esthetic root coverage can be accomplished in a predictable manner. Additionally, it was the intent of this study to examine whether or not certain factors could be associated with root coverage results. Factors that could be associated with root coverage success or lack of success included: size of the pedicle, previous free gingival graft, and plaque control during the postoperative period. Factors that did not appear to be related to root coverage included: history of smoking (heavy or light), defect width, defect depth, history of snuff use, history of orthodontics, tooth type treated, number of defects treated, age, preoperative bleeding on probing, preoperative plaque present, esthetic concerns of the patient, and surgical experience of the operator. Additionally, attached gingiva levels were not a factor if the areas had not been treated with a free gingival graft.