Comparative Evaluation of Novel 3D Tunneling Technique Versus Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) With Connective Tissue Graft in the Management of Multiple RT2 Gingival Recession

Comparative Evaluation of Novel 3D Tunneling Technique Versus Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) With Connective Tissue Graft in the Management of Multiple RT2 Gingival Recession: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Defects associated with severe interdental hard and soft tissue loss are challenging to the periodontist, mainly due to the increased avascular surface and the reduced interproximal periosteal bed. Reports on the surgical techniques used to address recession type 2 or 3 defects mostly showed statistics on the mid-facial root coverage that yielded outcomes that do not encompass coverage of the interdental exposed root surface which highlights areas of controversy in their use for papilla reconstruction. Several case reports and clinical studies have shown encouraging results, but the long-term data are not available in the literature yet. The novel 3D tunneling (3DT) method achieved significant clinical improvement with long term stability in a recent case series. However, additional research is needed to validate 3DT for its routine clinical use. Moreover, the 3DT method achieved a decrease in the lingual recession depth which should be pointed out that the technique also addresses lingual recession.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Buccal and lingual multiple adjacent recession defects classified as Cairo et al RT2.
• Age ≥18 years
• Full mouth plaque index score less than 20% O'Leary et al. 1972
• Patients with healthy systemic condition
• Clinical indication and/or patient request for root coverage

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with systemically compromised health
• Periodontal surgical treatment during the previous 24 months in the involved site
• Pregnant or lactating mothers
• Smokers
• Non-compliant patients
• Restored teeth
• Non-carious cervical lesion