Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Treatment of Multiple Lingual Recessions Using the Bilaminar Subperiosteal Tunnel Technique

Treatment of gingival recession defects on the lingual surface of mandibular anterior teeth is a challenge for the periodontist because of the region's unique anatomical features. Although there are no esthetic issues, lingual recessions should be considered seriously, especially on mandibular incisors, because they are frequently associated with periodontitis and dental hypersensitivity. The treatments and the long-term outcomes (5 years) of three clinical cases of multiple lingual recessions are presented. The tunnel technique associated with subepithelial connective tissue graft was chosen. The postoperative period was almost uneventful in all treated cases, and the 1-year outcomes were successful. Great recession reduction, up to complete root coverage, was seen, as were significant increases of both the apicocoronal amount and thickness of keratinized tissue. At the 5-year follow-up, the tissues were stable; only a slight apical shift of the gingival margin was noted in one case. The modification of the periodontal phenotype following the tunnel technique with the subepithelial connective tissue graft allowed the patients to maintain good plaque control.