title: Covering of gingival recessions with a modified microsurgical tunnel technique: case report.
abstract: Recent advances in periodontal plastic surgery have encouraged reassessment of the envelope technique and its modified version, the tunnel technique, for root coverage. This article describes alterations in the technique-sensitive tunnel approach, which include an undermining split flap preparation of the buccal tissues with newly developed instruments to minimize trauma and ensure a better blood supply for the connective tissue graft. The use of a microsurgical concept, including microsurgical blades and suture material, improves wound healing and establishes a better esthetic result. Because these modifications simplify the tunnel approach, the spectrum of indications for the tunnel technique may be expanded and a broader application achieved.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Periodontology and Implantology, Munich, Germany. otto@zuhr.biz
authors.forename: Otto
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zuhr
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fickl
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wachtel
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bolz
authors.forename: Markus B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Hürzeler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000601:surgery*; D005893:Gingivoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*