The purpose of this retrospective study is to investigate whether suturing protocols (suture removal timing) influence root coverage outcomes in recession defects treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure.

The aim of this study is to assess whether the timing of suture removal may influence the number of sites exhibiting complete coverage (CRC) or the mean root coverage (MRC) obtained in single-tooth recession-type defects treated by coronally advanced flap (CAF).

Records from patients that underwent a coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure for root coverage will be analyzed. This surgical procedure is aimed at the treatment of root recessions that may arise following periodontal disease or mechanical trauma. The procedure, after obtaining deep local anesthesia, involves a sulcular incision on the buccal side and extending the incision mesially and distally to the base of the adjacent papillae. Two vertical incisions are then made at the corner of the adjacent tooth line and extended into the alveolar mucosa. A mixed thickness flap is then elevated and coronally advanced by releasing incisions through the periosteum to allow for flap placement to cover the recession without tension. The papillae are de-epithelized to provide the bed of connective tissue for the adaptation of the flap which is then sutured with single stitches.

The records, complete with photographic documentation, of all patients who have undergone this procedure will be identified and will be divided into two groups: those in which the sutures were removed at 2 weeks and those in which the sutures were removed at 3 or more weeks.

CRC as present or absent (yes/no) and MRC (percentage of roof surface that has been successfully covered) six months after surgery will be assessed in these patients.

The presence of patient discomfort on the day of suture removal will be recorded as present / absent to assess whether the permanence of the sutures for longer or shorter influences the patient's perception of the surgery.

The results will be compared between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients not affected by active periodontitis
• Single recessions on non-restored non-molar teeth
• CAF protocols using vertical releasing incisions
• records of patients clearly reporting timing of suture removals and root coverage outcomes at 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adjacent recessions
• Recessions on molar teeth
• Coronally advanced flaps without releasing incisions
• Patients with active periodontitis

Individual participant data will be shared in a publication after the end of the study

Data will be submitted for publication right after the analysis of the outcomes