THE DOUBLE LATERAL BRIDGING FLAP FOR COVERAGE OF DENUDED ROOT SURFACE- LONGITUDINAL-STUDY AND CLINICAL-EVALUATION AFTER 5 TO 8 YEARS

LONGITUDINAL RESULTS OF A 5 to 8 year follow-up study of the double la teral bridging flap for coverage of gingival recessions (GR) are prese nted. On a total of 75 GR in 18 patients (31 surgical procedures) the majority of the teeth (58%) showed a root denudation reduction of 75% or more. Total coverage was observed on 18 teeth (24%). Examinations d id not show a high correlation between the extent of recession and bon e dehiscence after surgery, between the degree of root coverage and th e initial width of keratinized gingiva, or between the GR before and a fter surgery. We conclude that neither the quantity of gingival recess ion nor the quality of the supporting tissues were a prerequisite for the success of this surgical technique.