Treatment of Gingival Recession with Hypersensitivity using Free Soft-tissue Graft Procedures

Abstract

Background The main goal of root coverage procedure is complete coverage of the recession defect with a good esthetic result related to the adjacent soft tissues and minimal probing depth after the healing process. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in patients with gingival recession and dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Material and methods 60 patients with gingival recession Miller Class I and II with hypersensitivity and esthetic concerns were included. 30 of them were treated with free soft-tissue graft procedures and control group of 30 people were treated with anti-hypersensitivity gel. Surgically treated patients were separated in two groups: 20 of them- with coronally advanced flap with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft and 10 of them- with free gingival graft. Results We achieved full coverage on the exposed root surfaces in 18 patients treated with coronally advanced flap and de-epithelized graft and partial root coverage in two of them. Patients treated with free gingival graft procedure achieved full root coverage in 6 of them and partial on 4 of them (GR=1 mm after surgery). Surgical treatment led to resolution of the esthetic issues of the patients and elimination or reduction of the DH. In control group there were partial elimination of root sensitivity. Conclusion: In surgical treated group with both techniques we achieved resolution of DH and coverage of the root surface with healthy keratinized tissues. Surgery may be considered for treatment options of DH depending on the indications.