Tunnel approach without vestibular incision provides better esthetic outcomes in gingival recessions suggests a new study published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel technique (VISTA) and tunnel approach combined with connective tissue graft (CTG) for treatment of type 1 (RT1) multiple gingival recession.

Twenty-four patients with a total of 59 nonmolar recession teeth were randomly allocated to VISTA + CTG or Tunnel + CTG group. Recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, width of keratinized tissue, gingival thickness, flap tension, mean root coverage (MRC), complete root coverage (CRC), patient-centered, and esthetic outcomes (root coverage esthetic scores, RES) were assessed at baseline and 12 months after surgery.
Results
At 12 months, MRC of 91.13 ± 16.96% and 91.40 ± 13.53%, CRC of 70.97% and 67.86% were observed for VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG group respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). High RES of 8.52 ± 1.46 and 8.82 ± 1.44 was obtained in VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG group respectively, without showing a significant difference (p = 0.245), while less scar formation was observed in Tunnel + CTG group (p < 0.01).
Both procedures were effective for root coverage in RT1 multiple gingival recession at 12 months. Better esthetic result with less scar formation was obtained in tunnel approach combined with CTG without vestibular incision. (Registration number: ChiCTR-INR-16007845, registered on 19/12/2015, http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Clinical Significance
VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG were both effective for root coverage in RT1 multiple gingival recession, with satisfying esthetic outcomes. However, it is suggested in critical esthetic areas, treatment options of making vertical incisions should be carefully considered.
Reference:
Chen, Z, Zhong, J, Xie, Y, Fan, K, Zhou, S, Ouyang, X. Does vestibular incision improve the outcomes of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel technique: A randomized clinical trial for treatment of multiple adjacent type 1 gingival recession. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2023; 1- 8. doi:10.1111/jerd.13051