Clinical evaluation of treatment on class I and II gingival recession with subepithelial connective tissue graft with and without low-level laser therapy- a split-mouth clinical study.

Gingival recession (GR) is described as an apical displacement of the gingival margin in relation to the cementoenamel junction, exposing the root surface to the oral cavity environment. The main indication to treat gingival recessions is to increase soft tissues thickness and stability to facilitate plaque control and prevent further periodontal inflammation and break-down or root caries.

Coronally advanced flap (CAF), although a gold standard, is technique sensitive, and has limitations. A novel minimally invasive surgical approach The Pouch and  Tunnel  technique has been recently introduced for the management of isolated gingival recession and ensures mobilization of flap for graft coverage.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was first described in the literature by Mester et al. as a therapeutic method in several areas of medicine and dentistry. Recently, LLLT has also been used in the treatment of gingival recession. However, the basic mechanism by which LLLT may affect periodontal wound healing still remains unclear due to the lack of evidence.

To our knowledge, studies evaluating LLLT associated with root coverage procedures using Pouch and Tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft are rare. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of bilateral root coverage of GR associated with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (SCTG) alone or combined with low-level laser therapy (SCTG + LLLT).