Comparison of Root Coverage Outcomes by NORD Flap Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in RT1 Gingival Recession

Gingival recession (GR) is a very frequent finding in the general population with a prevalence ranging from 50-90% in different populations. Patients with GR may experience hypersensitivity, pain, poor esthetics and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene. Among the predisposing factors for GR, most common are improper tooth brushing, gingival inflammation, thin periodontal phenotype, aberrant frenum, areas with inadequate keratinized gingiva, orthodontic movement leading to buccal tooth displacement and direct trauma. Literature suggests that untreated gingival recession has a high probability of undergoing further progression even in the presence of good oral hygiene. From an epidemiological point of view, localized facial gingival recessions affect more than 60% of individuals and account for a significant amount of periodontal attachment loss in subjects with good oral hygiene; therefore there is a need for predictable root coverage techniques. Many surgical techniques have been shown to be effective in correcting gingival recession by covering the exposed root with soft tissue; however, the thickness of the gingival tissue over the root surface probably plays an important role in preventing the recurrence of tissue recession. To cover the exposed root surfaces numerous techniques with various modifications have been attempted with the main focus in the recent decades being on complete root coverage. Pedicle grafts are usually considered superior to free soft tissue grafts due to intact blood supply from the donor site. Laterally positioned flap and double papilla grafts are examples of pedicle grafting techniques that obtain advantage of available keratinized tissue from the neighboring teeth. However, there is a risk of developing recession on the donor tooth or in case of double papilla flap, an inadequate coverage due to wound edges being sutured over an avascular surface. This is especially important in cases of thin periodontal phenotype. Sub epithelial connective tissue graft, though considered as a gold standard among the soft tissue grafting techniques involves a second surgical site increasing surgical time, complexity and patient morbidity. . To overcome these limitations, a novel technique is being proposed here. 9\. Methodology i. Study design- This randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the department of Periodontics, Post graduate institute of dental sciences (PGIDS), Rohtak in accordance with the ethical standards outlined in the declaration of Helsinki 1975, as revised in 2013.The study design was approved by Institutional review board, PGIDS, Rohtak and ethical acceptance applied for from the Ethical committee of PGIDS, Rohtak.