Single-stage advanced versus rotated flaps in the treatment of gingival recessions: A 5-year longitudinal randomized clinical trial

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of single-stage laterally positioned flap (LPF) and coronally advanced flap (CAF) techniques in the treatment of localized maxillary gingival recession (GR) defects, 1 and 5 years after surgical procedures.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with Miller Class I GR defects were randomly assigned to be treated by either CAF (n = 18) or LPF (n = 18). Recession height (RECH), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), probing depth (PD), vertical clinical attachment level (VAL), visual plaque score (VPS), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed and compared. Clinical recordings were performed at baseline, 1 and 5 years later. The differences between initial clinical recordings and after 1 and 5 years were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Both flap designs effectively improved RECH and VAL on GR defects. The LPF resulted in significantly more gains in KTW and root coverage (RC) after 5 years.

Conclusion: LPF and CAF procedures may be used for the treatment of GR, however, LPF results in greater longitudinal stability of RC and increased WKT in the treated areas.