Coronally advanced flap versus the pouch technique combined with a connective tissuegraft to treat Miller's class I gingival recession: a randomized controlled trial

AIM:
The objective of this study was to compare two different periodontal plastic surgery procedures to treat Miller's class I recession: a coronally advanced flap (control group) versus the pouch technique (test group), both of which were associated with connective tissue graft.
METHODS:
Forty consecutive patients were included, with 20 patients being allocated for each group. The level of recession coverage, the keratinized tissue (KT) quantity, gingival aesthetics (PES) and post-operative outcomes were assessed for a follow-up period of 6 months.
RESULTS:
After 6 months, both techniques allowed for the excellent mean root coverage of 96.3 ± 12.1% in the control group and of 91.3 ± 17.6% in the test group. Complete root coverage was achieved in 89.5% (17/19) and 79% (15/19) of the recession cases in the control and the test groups respectively. A significant increase in KT height (p = 0.0011) was observed in the test group. A significant improvement in the pink aesthetic score was found in the two groups, but gingival texture displayed significantly better results in the test group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference between the two groups was found in terms of the morbidity outcomes. Pain killer consumption was similar in the two groups and significantly decreased over time.
CONCLUSIONS:
Both surgical techniques are relevant in treating Miller's class I recession. The pouch technique seems to increase the height of KT better and provides good gingival-related aesthetic outcomes.