Influence of Periodontal Parameters on Root Coverage: A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of initial periodontal clinical parameters on the final outcome of the treatment of periodontal recessions by means of a coronally positioned flap (CPF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CPF technique was used in a total of 39 Miller Class I/II gingival recessions of the upper canines and/or premolars. The clinical periodontal parameters evaluated were: probing depth, gingival recession height, gingival recession width, keratinized mucosa, attached keratinized mucosa, flap thickness and free gingival margin thickness. The degree of root coverage was evaluated 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. The data were analyzed by Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney and Pearson's correlation tests, as well as linear regression. RESULTS: A significant reduction in gingival recession height, gingival recession width, keratinized mucosa, and attached keratinized mucosa were observed. A significant negative correlation was found between gingival recession and root coverage percentage at 1 year, and a significant negative correlation between gingival margin thickness and coverage percentage at 1 year. The gingival recession and flap thickness significantly predicted the amount of root coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The initial dimensions of gingival recession and the mucosa thickness were correlated to the percentage of root coverage. The gingival recession width was the major predictor of root coverage.