Comparative Study of Two Root Coverage Procedures on Lower Anterior Teeth Using Partially De-Epithelialized Connective Tissue Graft (PE-CTG) Aided by a High-Speed HandPiece: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare two different root coverages on the lower anterior teeth using a partially de-epithelialized connective tissue graft (PE-CTG). Materials and Methods: This study included 18 patients (20 teeth) with lower anterior tooth recession. In the tPECTG group (7 patients, 8 teeth), the recipient site was prepared with supraperiosteal tunneling. In the vPECTG group (11 patients, 12 teeth), the recipient site was prepared using the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access technique. In both groups, partially de-epithelialized connective tissue was harvested from the hard palate using a high-speed handpiece diamond bur. The change in root coverage was evaluated based on vertical recession and keratinized tissue (KT) values before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Results: 18 patients (20 teeth) have been treated with two different root coverage techniques, with a mean root coverage of 89.01% and the gain of KT of 3.48±1.37 mm. The mean root coverage was 87.85% and 89.78% in the tPECTG and vPECTG groups, respectively. The gain of KT was 3.94 ± 1.74 mm in the tPECTG group and 3.17 ±1.03 mm in the vPECTG group. No significant differences were found between the two groups for either parameter (P>0.05). Within the limitations of this retrospective case series, vPECTG was as effective as tPECTG but easier. Moreover, in both groups, the keratinized gingival width increased, and the mucogingival junction was maintained.