The Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique for Coverage of Mucosal Recessions at Dental Implants.

Abstract

Objectives: To clinically evaluate the outcomes following surgical coverage of single peri-implant mucosal recessions in the aesthetic maxillary area by means of the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

Materials and methods: Eleven systemically healthy non-smoking patients (8 females) each presenting a single peri-implant mucosal recession in the anterior maxillary region were consecutively treated with MCAT in conjunction with SCTG. In all cases, the facial recession was associated with an impaired aesthetic appearance. Before reconstructive surgery and at 12 months postoperatively, clinical and aesthetic parameters were assessed. The primary outcome variable was the mean mucosal recession coverage (MRC).

Results: Healing was uneventful in all cases. At 12 months, statistically significant (p < 0.05) recession coverage (MRC 94.71%) and improvement of aesthetics (pink aesthetic score) was obtained at all implants. Complete RC was obtained in 10 out of the 11 patients (90.9%). The treatment was associated with a statistically significant gain of keratinized and attached mucosa (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that single peri-implant mucosal recessions in the maxillary aesthetic area can be successfully treated with MCAT and SCTG.