Zülfiye DOĞAN
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi - 2026;12(2):170-174
This case report aims to describe the management of root surface exposure due to gingival recession using a connective tissue graft with a minimally invasive approach. Gingival recession, characterized by the apical displacement of the gingival margin and subsequent exposure of the root surface, remains a prevalent clinical condition in periodontology. The coronally advanced flap combined with a connective tissue graft continues to represent the gold standard for achieving predictable root coverage. This case report presents the management of an isolated RT1 gingival recession defect in the mandibular canine (tooth #33) associated with dentin hypersensitivity. The site exhibited 3-4 mm of keratinized tissue width and a shallow cervical abrasion of approximately 1 mm. A connective tissue graft was obtained through de-epithelialization of a free gingival graft and placed using a minimally invasive tunneling approach, followed by coronal advancement and tension-free suturing. Postoperative healing was uneventful, and complete root coverage was achieved within the first month. At the 26-month follow-up, the treated site demonstrated stable soft tissue integration without any recurrence of recession. Supporting the conclusion that the tunnel technique with connective tissue graft achieved successful root coverage in RT1 gingival recession.
