Root coverage and pocket reduction as combined surgical procedures

Background: One of the main objectives of periodontal reconstructive surgery is the coverage of exposed roots due to gingival recession. A large variety of mucogingival grafting procedures are available that give highly predictable and esthetically acceptable results when treating intact root surfaces. However, these procedures call for a second surgery site in the palate. The present study examines a series of cases in which connective tissue, obtained from the tuberosity during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla, was used for root coverage. Methods: Forty-four teeth from 25 patients with gingival recession of 3.30 ± 0.14 mm (mean ± SEM) were treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts using connective tissue obtained from the tuberosity area during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla. Results: The mean root coverage recession after treatment was 0.16 ± 0.06 mm, with effectiveness of coverage at 95.0% ± 1.84 and a predictability of 84.1%. Periodontal probing depth reduction at the donor site was 4.08 ± 0.24 mm. Conclusions: These results indicate that the subepithelial connective tissue graft obtained from the tuberosity area during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla provides a very predictable and esthetic root coverage without the need for a second surgical site.