Background: In the attempt to limit the post-surgery increase in buccal gingival recession (bREC), effect of a connective tissue graft (CTG) when combined with a buccal single flap approach (SFA) in the regenerative treatment of intraosseous defects is evaluated.
Methods: Data related to 30 patients with an intraosseous defect treated with a buccal SFA with (SFA+CTG group; n = 15) or without (SFA group; n = 15) placement of a CTG and regenerative treatment were retrospectively derived at three clinical centers. bREC and probing parameters were assessed at presurgery and 6 months post-surgery.
Results: In addition to a significant attachment gain and probing depth reduction, adjunctive use of a CTG to a buccal SFA in the regenerative treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects associated with a buccal bone dehiscence resulted in a limited post-surgery bREC, a lower prevalence of defects with a clinically detectable apical displacement of the gingival margin, and an increase in gingival width and thickness.
Conclusion: Adjunctive use of a CTG in the regenerative treatment of intraosseous defects associated with buccal bone dehiscence accessed by buccal SFA may support the stability of the gingival profile.
Keywords: Alveolar bone loss; enamel matrix proteins; gingival recession; periodontitis; reconstructive surgical procedures; surgical flaps.