Laterally Positioned Flap Procedure with Augmented or Nonaugmented Palatal Connective Tissue Grafts in the Treatment of Multiple Adjacent Gingival Recessions: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study

The most commonly used technique for covering gingival recessions is the coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique due to its high success rate. In clinical situations where there is less keratinized tissue apical to the defect due to unfavorable anatomical conditions, a more advantageous technique for this situation should be considered, specifically the laterally positioned flap (LPF). The aim of this study was to compare the gingival thickness after gingival recession coverage using the laterally positioned flap supported by an augmented and non-augmented connective tissue graft (CTG). Thirty-four patients with 105 gingival recessions of Miller’s class I and/or II were enrolled in this study. The method of choice was the laterally positioned flap. The test group was treated with previously augmented CTG harvested from the palatal mucosa while the control group was treated with a non-augmented CTG. Clinical measurements were recorded at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months after intervention. Clinical results showed a statistically more significant percentage of average and complete gingival recession coverage in the test group. The LPF in combination with an augmented CTG proves to be an effective alternative to the CAF. Greater improvement in gingival thickness was observed in the LPF with augmented CTG than in non-augmented CTG.