Tunneling techniques in surgical treatment of gingival recessions: integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3iSuppl.%202.222Keywords:
Gingival recession, Tunnel technique, Root coverage, Biomaterials, Long-term stabilityAbstract
Introduction: Gingival recession is a common condition in periodontal practice, often associated with functional and aesthetic concerns. Among surgical root coverage approaches, tunneling techniques have gained increasing attention due to their minimally invasive nature, ability to preserve vascularization, and favorable aesthetic outcomes. However, current evidence regarding their clinical effectiveness and long-term stability remains heterogeneous.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of tunneling techniques in the surgical treatment of gingival recessions with different biomaterials.
Methodology: This integrative literature review followed the PICO strategy and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, covering studies published between 2010 and 2025. MeSH terms and the keywords were combined using Boolean operators AND and OR.
Results: The results indicate that tunneling techniques achieve high short-term root coverage, frequently exceeding 80%, with outcomes comparable to coronally advanced flap procedures. The use of biomaterial substitutes shows similar clinical effectiveness to autogenous connective tissue grafts, while reducing postoperative morbidity and improving patient comfort. Aesthetic outcomes are generally favorable, and patient satisfaction is high. However, long-term evidence demonstrates a gradual reduction in root coverage over time, regardless of the biomaterial used, with anatomical location influencing stability of results.
Conclusion: Tunneling techniques represent a predictable and effective option for the treatment of gingival recession, providing strong short-term clinical and aesthetic outcomes. Nevertheless, the limited availability of long-term studies highlights the need for further standardized research to better assess long-term stability and treatment predictability.
References
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