Multiple techniques can be used for recession coverage. The most common techniques are : tunnel technique (T), coronally advanced flap (CAF) or a combination of both (TCAF). Tunnel and coronally advanced flap are frequently used in clinical practice, whereas the combined technique is a rather recent developed surgical approach. This randomized controlled trial compares CAF and TCAF to determine which technique provides better root coverage for receding gums in the lower front teeth. The main question it aims to answer is: \- What is the average root coverage achieved with each technique in the short and long term? This may be clinically relevant because covering gum recession can reduce tooth sensitivity, improve aesthetics and make oral hygiene easier. Researchers will compare the coronally advanced flap (CAF = the gum is detached and repositioned higher) with the tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF = the gum is undermined, only partially detached and repositioned higher). In both techniques, a small piece of tissue is removed from the palate, which is used to cover the recession. The purpose of the connective tissue graft under the flap/tunnel is to increase thickness and provide support. Participants will: * Undergo surgery (CAF or TCAF, randomly assigned) to cover recessions * Attend regular check-ups for up to 10 years after surgery * Keep a postoperative journal (recording medication use, pain levels, tooth sensitivity, etc.)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
34
The gum at the recession site is detached and reattached higher (combined with a connective tissue graft).
The gum at the recession site is undermined, only partially detached and reattached higher (combined with a connective tissue graft).
Department of Periodontology and Implantology of Ghent University
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
RECRUITINGmean root coverage
The average percentage of previously exposed tooth root surface that becomes covered by gingival tissue following a root coverage procedure.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
complete root coverage
The percentage of teeth for which the previously exposed root surface is completely covered by gingival tissue following the surgical procedure. These teeth show no visible recession after healing.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
pocket depth
The distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the sulcus measured using a periodontal probe.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
recession reduction
The decrease in the amount of exposed root surface after the root coverage procedure.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
width of keratinized tissue
The distance from the mucogingival junction to the free gingival margin. It includes free and attached gingival tissue, measured with a periodontal probe.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
gingival thickness
Thickness of the gingival tissue measured 1-2 mm apical to the gingival margin.
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
phenotype
thin, thick or combined
Time frame: From enrollment till ten years after surgical treatment.
treatment time
Time in minutes from the first incision till the last suture.
Time frame: Only measured during surgery in minutes.
post-operative pain at donor site
Post-operative pain at the donor site will be assessed by the patient using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). A higher score indicates greater pain experienced by the patient.
Time frame: From one week post-operative till three months post-operative.
post-operative pain at lower front
Post-operative pain at lower front will be assessed by the patient using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). A higher score indicates greater pain experienced by the patient.
Time frame: From one week post-operative till three months post-operative.
number of analgesics
The number of pain medication tablets consumed by the patient to manage post-operative pain.
Time frame: From one week post-operative till two weeks post-operative.
score of aesthetic result
Aesthetic satisfaction based on root coverage and color match.
Time frame: From six months post-operative till ten years post-operative.
root sensitivity
Root sensitivity is assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no sensitivity) to 10 (extreme sensitivity), based on a tactile test with controlled air flow. A higher score indicates that the patient experiences greater sensitivity.
Time frame: From one week pre-operative till ten years post-operative.
willingness to retreatment
A patient's willingness to undergo retreatment based on their previous experience with the procedure. It is assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 (not willing at all) to 10 (extremely willing). A patient reporting a higher score indicates greater willingness.
Time frame: From three months post-operative till two years post-operative.
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