Treatment of multiple gingival recessions adopting modified tunnel subepithelial connective tissue graft technique.

Gingival recession related to periodontal disease or developmental problems can result in root sensitivity, root caries, and esthetically unacceptable root exposures. In the past, multiple surgical procedures have been proposed to obtain root coverage on exposed buccal root surfaces. There has been great interest in the treatment of gingival recession defects, especially with subepithelial connective‑tissue grafting (SCTG). Recent advances have focused on SCTG by the tunnel technique. This article highlights the esthetic results obtained by adopting a modification of the tunnel technique using a single vertical incision along with autologous SCTG in the management of multiple adjacent Miller Class‑II gingival recessions. A single vertical incision was used along with tunnel preparation for the facile placement of SCTG into the prepared tunnel. After 6 months of follow‑up, the clinical condition was stable with satisfactory root coverage outcome. An excellent esthetical outcome was achieved and the patient was satisfied with the result.

Long Term Clinical and Radiographical Evaluation of Tunneled Molars / 대한치주과학회지

PURPOSE: Tunneling is a periodontal surgical procedure that creates access for patient cleansing and maintenance within the furcal area of a molar tooth with severe furcation involvement. Up to date, there are few studies about a long term clinical and radiographic stability of tunneling. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the long term prognosis after tunnel preparation of molars with through and through furcation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 teeth of 23 patients aged 36 to 70 (mean age 51.7) were treated surgically with tunnel preparation. These cases were followed for 2 to 13 years (mean 6.5years) after surgery. Patients were recalled for an evaluation which was based on a questionnaire, a clinical examination, and radiographic analysis. Clinical assessment included plaque index, caries registration, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, tooth mobility. Baseline and over 2-year follow-up radiographs were collected and evaluated for this study. RESULT: 3 teeth(12%) had been extracted and 1 tooth(4%) hemisected. Root caries was detected in 3 teeth(12%). Thus 72% of the teeth were still caries free and in function. Clinical parameters including PI, PD, BOP, mobility showed somewhat favourable results. Radiographic furcal bone loss showed no statistically significant difference compared to interproximal crestal bone loss (3.59+/-1.69% vs 3.42+/-2.95%) when root length was used as reference. There was no correlation between root trunk length and furcal bone loss. CONCLUSION: Over 2 years after tunneling procedure, teeth showed a clinically and radiographically stable condition, despite of slight root caries and alveolar bone loss within clinically acceptable range. The tunnel procedure may be considered as a viable periodontal treatment option for molar teeth with severe furcation involvement in individuals following a regular maintenance program.