This study investigates the treatment of gingival recession (specifically Miller Class I and II defects) using a minimally invasive surgical approach known as the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique. Participants are allocated into three groups: one receiving subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG), another treated with enamel matrix derivatives (EMD), and a third group receiving a combination of SCTG and EMD.

The primary objective is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of each treatment modality in terms of root coverage, esthetic outcomes, and postoperative patient comfort. The study also aims to determine whether the combined use of SCTG and EMD provides superior clinical results compared to their individual application. Both short-term and long-term treatment outcomes are assessed to identify the most effective approach for managing gingival recession.

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate both the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique combined with various biomaterials in the treatment of Miller Class I and II gingival recession defects.

A total of 60 systemically healthy individuals, aged between 18 and 60 years, presenting to the Department of Periodontology at Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry with gingival recession complaints will be included. Prior to enrollment, all participants will undergo routine periodontal examinations and nonsurgical Phase I therapy. Standard mucogingival procedures are routinely performed at this institution.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups (n=20 each):

Group 1: MCAT + subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) Group 2: MCAT + enamel matrix derivative (EMD) Group 3: MCAT + SCTG + EMD Clinical Evaluations

Clinical assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and will include the following parameters:

Plaque Index (PI): Assessed according to Silness and Löe (1964). Gingival Index (GI): Assessed according to Löe and Silness (1963). Gingival Recession Width (GRW): Measured horizontally at the widest point. Gingival Recession Height (GRH): Measured from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the gingival margin. Keratinized Tissue Width (KTW): Measured from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. Probing Depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL): Measured at baseline and 6 months.

PD is recorded from the gingival margin to the apical extent of the sulcus; CAL is measured from the CEJ to the base of the sulcus. Intraoral Photographs: Captured at all evaluation time points. Gingival thickness will be assessed under topical anesthesia at the mid-buccal aspect, 2 mm apical to the gingival margin, using an endodontic file fitted with a rubber stopper. The distance from the file tip to the stopper will be recorded using a digital caliper.

The percentage of root coverage will be calculated based on clinical measurements, following the standardized formula described by Al-Hamdan et al. (2003).

Wound Healing Evaluation:

Sutures will be removed on postoperative day 14. Wound healing will be assessed individually for each treated site using the wound healing index proposed by Huang et al. (2005).

This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the clinical effectiveness, esthetic outcomes, and patient-reported comfort associated with the MCAT technique when used alone or in combination with SCTG and/or EMD for the treatment of gingival recession defects.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged between 18 and 60 years

Systemically and periodontally healthy individuals

Non-smokers

Presence of a clearly detectable cementoenamel junction (CEJ)

No prior surgical intervention at the selected sites

No periodontal pockets deeper than 3 mm

No signs of occlusal trauma

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnancy or lactation

Use of antibiotics in the past 6 months

Presence of any systemic condition that may contraindicate periodontal surgery, including:

Diabetes mellitus

Impaired glucose tolerance

Endocrine disorders

Cardiovascular diseases

Declined to participate or failed to meet inclusion criteria