Modified Sling and Conventional Suture Techniques in Free Gingival Graft Operations

Comparison of Conventional and Modified Sling Suture Techniques In Free Gingival Graft Operations With CAIRO Type 2 and Type 3 Localized Gingival Recessions

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of conventional suture (CS) and modified sling suture (MSS) techniques, applied in free gingival graft (FGG) surgery using gingival unit graft (GUG) and conventional graft (CG) techniques, on clinical parameters and graft dimensions.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of conventional suture (CS) and modified sling suture (MSS) techniques, applied in free gingival graft (FGG) surgery using gingival unit graft (GUG) and conventional graft (CG) techniques, on clinical parameters and graft dimensions.

METHODS: 52 individuals having Cairo Type 2 (RT2) and Type 3 (RT3) gingival recessions in mandibular anterior region were divided into four groups as a) GUG+MSS (n=13), b) GUG+CS (n=13), c) CG+MSS (n=13) and d) CG+CS (n=13). Keratinized gingival width (KGW), keratinized tissue thickness (KGT), relative gingival recession height (rGRH), and relative vestibule depth (rVD) measurements were recorded using a digital caliper and periodontal probe UNC 15. Dimensional changes (Δ) of the graft surface area (GSA) was determined by ImageJ software. All measurements were done at baseline and repeated 1st and 3rd months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Systemically healthy individuals
• <1 mm of attached gingiva on mandibular incisors
• PI and GI scores <1
• Patients who had not previously undergone soft tissue surgery in the relevant area

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or lactating women
• Patients younger than 18 years old
• Mandibular incisors with having restoration, probing depth ≥ 3 mm, malposition and/or endodontic problem
• Maxillary premolars with gingival recession in the palatal area and/or prosthetic restoration