Clinical Outcomes of Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique With Deepithelialized Connective Tissue Graft for Mandibular Lingual Root Coverage: A Case Series
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
This study will follow adults who have gum recession on the tongue side of the lower teeth. Participants will receive a gum surgery called the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel technique with a connective tissue graft taken from the roof of the mouth. The study will include 20 participants and will follow them for up to 24 months after surgery. The main outcome is how much of the exposed root is covered 6 months after surgery. The study will also measure gum thickness, gum width, tooth sensitivity, healing, patient comfort, satisfaction, and three-dimensional soft tissue changes using intraoral scans.
Description
This is a single-site prospective case series at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Adults with single or multiple Cairo RT1 lingual gingival recessions of at least 3 mm on mandibular incisors, canines, or premolars will be enrolled if they meet the study eligibility criteria. All participants will receive the same surgical treatment. During the procedure, the surgeon will create a tunnel under the gum tissue on the tongue side of the affected lower tooth or teeth. A small piece of tissue will be taken from the palate, prepared as a connective tissue graft, placed under t…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Single or multiple Cairo RT1 lingual gingival recessions ≥3 mm on mandibular incisors, canines, or premolars * Identifiable CEJ on the lingual aspect * Vital uniradicular teeth * Full-mouth plaque score \<20% * Smokes less than 10 cigarettes per day * Adequate mouth opening for lingual access * Sufficient palatal donor tissue thickness (≥2 mm at 2-3 mm from gingival margin) Exclusion Criteria: * Positive urine pregnancy test or self-reported lactation * Smoker more than 10 cigarettes per day * Uncontrolled systemic diseases, at the discretion of the P…
Interventions
- ProcedureModified Coronally Advanced Tunnel with Connective Tissue Graft
The procedure consists of lingual tunnel preparation without vertical releasing incisions, followed by placement of a deepithelialized connective tissue graft harvested from the palate. Root surface conditioning may be performed with EDTA gel before graft placement. The graft is positioned to cover the exposed root surface, and the lingual flap is advanced coronally and secured with sutures to achieve stable, tension-free coverage.
Location
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicinePittsburgh, Pennsylvania