Use of the supraperiosteal envelope in soft tissue grafting for root coverage. I. Rationale and technique.

Recent advances in graft procurement and suturing encourage a reassessment of the "envelope" technique in soft tissue grafting for root coverage. Use of the supraperiosteal envelope permits conservation of existing gingiva, minimal surgical trauma to the recipient area, and firm fixation of the connective tissue graft over single and multiple adjacent areas of recession. The intimate coaptation of the bilaminar soft tissue complex thus achieved may facilitate graft survival and postoperative blending of soft tissues.