Evaluation of resorbable membrane in treatment of human gingival isolated buccal recession.

BACKGROUND

Gingival recession in its localized or generalized form is an undesirable condition which results in root exposure. Several different techniques have been described in order to cover the exposed root surface, and increase the dimensions of the keratinized tissue in gingival recession defects. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the result using a bio resorbable membrane for the treatment of human isolated buccal gingival recession.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients, i.e. 6 males and 4 females, mean age 34.5 years, with Miller's classification class I or II facial mucogingival defects were selected. A full thickness flap up to the mucogingival junction, followed by a split thickness flap was reflected. This was done so as to cover the membrane at the defect site, at the same time cover the denuded root surface. All parameters were recorded by a single investigator for each surgical site before surgery (baseline), after 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.

RESULTS

The selected sites clinically presented with initial mean recession of 4.4 mm, mean area of recession of 10.5 mm and initial mean keratinized tissue width 4.2 mm. The results of this study had showed a mean coverage of the recession defects by 3.45 mm and a significant gain in keratinized tissue width of 0.8 mm post operatively at nine months. There was also a significant reduction in area of recession. The difference between the base line reading and post operative readings was both clinically and statistically significant. The mean percentage of root coverage was 79.75%.

CONCLUSION

Resorbable membrane is a versatile treatment modality for coverage of isolated buccal gingival recession. Although membrane exposure occurred in four patients, it did not interfere with post operative healing.