A New Technique of Periosteoplasty for Covering Recessions: Preliminary Report and First Clinical Results

The main aim of periodontal surgery is to achieve a good function of the periodontium and, increasingly, aesthetically satisfying gingiva. Over the past few years surgical techniques have improved and some new techniques for achieving better results have been described. These techniques are based on the transplantation of free tissue grafts (Bjorn, 1963; Sullivan and Atkins, 1968; Nelson, 1987) or the application of membranes (Pinti Prato et al, 1992; Trombelli et al, 1994; Tinti and Vincenzi,1994; Trombelli et al, 1995; Roccuzzo et al, 1996), the transposition of periodontal flaps (Norberg, 1926; Allen and Miller, 1989; Grupe and Warren, 1956; Pennel et al, 1965; Cohen and Ross, 1968; Patur, 1977; Raetzke, 1985; Tarnow, 1986; Bahat el al, 1990) or a combination of both techniques (Summer, 1969; Bernimoulin et al, 1990; Langer and Langer, 1985; Langer and Langer, 1993). The rate of success has increased continuously and individualised techniques for achieving the best results in different kinds of recessions have been presented. The morphology of the recession dictates the best technique for root coverage which, in turn, leads to the best clinical results, as in all other fields of surgery. Here the aim is to achieve long-term coverage of the root surface with attached gingiva of normal height and in the correct position. The form of the gingival margin as well as the colour and texture of tissue should resemble that of the healthy neighbouring teeth. In other words, the results of the surgery should be invisible. To gain an objective assessment of the clinical results, the percentage of root coverage should be A New Technique of Periosteoplasty for Covering Recessions: Preliminary Report and First Clinical Results