Periosteum eversion technique versus subpedicle connective tissue graft technique for root coverage of gingival recessions: A randomized split-mouth study

INTRODUCTION: The connective tissue graft (CTG) with pedicle flap as subpedicle CTG technique (SPCTGT) is considered the gold standard technique in the treatment of gingival recessions. The aim of this study was to compare periosteum eversion technique (PET) with SPCTGT for root coverage of gingival recessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients having bilateral gingival recessions of Miller class I and II were selected. The left or right side was randomly assigned into PET group and SPCTGT group. Before and after 1 year of surgery, depth of gingival recession (DGR), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), width of attached gingiva (WAG), and probing depth (PD) were measured and compared. Pre- and post-groups were compared by paired t-test. Two independent groups were compared by independent Student's t-test. A two-tailed (α =2) P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparing the pre to post mean of PET and SPCTGT showed decrease (net improvement) in DGR (−5.80 ± 0.42 vs. −4.65 ± 0.39, mean difference = −1.15 ± 0.57, t = 2.02, P = 0.058) and in PD (−1.05 ± 0.12 vs. −0.60 ± 0.12, mean difference = −0.45 ± 0.17, t = 2.64, P = 0.017); and increase (net improvement) in WKG (5.80 ± 0.42 vs. 4.80 ± 0.41, mean difference = 1.00 ± 0.58, t = 1.71, P = 0.104) and in WAG (5.60 ± 0.32 vs. 4.90 ± 0.24, mean difference = 0.70 ± 0.41, t = 1.73, P = 0.101). PET showed 19.8% and 42.9% higher decrease in DGR and PD; and 17.2% and 12.5% higher increase in WKG and WAG, respectively, than SPCTGT. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that both the modalities were effective in the management of root coverage of gingival recessions. However, PET was found more effective than SPCTGT.