The Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft: Part II. Histologic Healing and Clinical Root Coverage

Periodontal plastic surgical techniques have evolved to meet the demands of today's dental patient. Free gingival grafts (FGGs), pedicle flaps, subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs), acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts, and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) have all been used to cover denuded root surfaces. FGGs have demonstrated inconsistent results. Pedicle flaps have provided consistent results, but adequate tissue must be present initially. ADM grafts have also demonstrated success, but long-term stability may be a problem. Presently, SCTGs and GTR should be considered the treatment of choice for root coverage. They are the most predictable with average root coverage as high as 98.9% and 92.3%, respectively.