Clinical and histologic evaluation of human gingival recession treated with a subepithelial connective tissue graft and enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain): a case report

A mandibular canine with significant gingival recession was selected for a pilot study to measure the attachment modalities resulting from mucogingival surgery. The tooth had 6 mm of recession as measured from the cementoenamel junction to the gingival margin, minimal pocketing, and no keratinized gingiva. The treatment regimen consisted of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) plus Emdogain applied to the root surface. The tooth was extracted en bloc 6 months after surgery and processed histologically in a buccolingual plane. The tooth demonstrated a 2-mm gain of attachment and a 3-mm gain in keratinized tissue. The histologic study evidenced the migration of the junctional epithelium 1.2 mm apical to the sulcus. New cementum, evidence of newly formed woven bone, and connective tissue fibers anchored in the new cementum were evident.