Description of the modified vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (m-VISTA) technique in the treatment of multiple Miller class III gingival recessions: a case series

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population. It is considered a challenge for clinicians to obtain a complete root coverage of Miller class III recession. The aim of this case series was to assess the outcomes achieved with the use of modified VISTA technique (m-VISTA) in patients having multiple Miller class III recessions after 6 months. METHODS: Ten patients (six women and four men; mean age: 53 years), who showed multiple Miller class III recessions (depth ≥ 2 mm) and who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, were treated by postgraduate students with the use of m-VISTA technique. RESULTS: A total of 38 recessions were performed. The recessions were mainly located in the mandible (80%), which included six molars. The mean baseline recession was 3.12 mm. Post the intervention, a mean root coverage of 58.72% was achieved, with complete root coverage observed in 29% of the recessions. CONCLUSIONS: m-VISTA may offer several advantages in the treatment of Miller class III gingival recession. Nevertheless, more clinical trials with a longer follow-up period are needed to arrive at a concrete conclusion about its advantages. Trial registration: NCT03258996. Data registration: 08/18/2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01511-5.