Root coverage in multiple recession defects (RT1) using the m-vista technique: a case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24265/kiru.2026.v23n1.10Keywords:
Gingival Recession; Surgical Flaps; Tissue EngineeringAbstract
Gingival recession has been described as a common clinical condition, characterized by the apical displacement of the gingival margin and exposure of the root surface, which may lead to dental sensitivity, aesthetic impairmen, and an increased risk of root caries. Its treatment is determined by the classification and extent of the recession, as well as the patient's anatomical and systemic factors. The VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access) technique has been reported as an effective minimally invasive surgical option for managing multiple recessions, allowing for preservation of vascularization and flap stability. This case report describes the treatment of multiple RT1 gingival recessions using a modified technique (m-VISTA), which was supplemented with a subepithelial connective tissue graft and coronally anchored sutures. This technique was performed on a patient with multiple RT1 recessions in the anterior maxillary sector, and clinical follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months, assessing root coverage, flap stability, and postoperative healing. Satisfactory root coverage was achieved, with an improvement in gingival biotype, adequate tissue stability, and no surgical complications. Additionally, the patient reported improved aesthetics and reduced sensitivity. Overall, the clinical findings support the use of the m-VISTA technique as a safe, predictable, and minimally invasive surgical alternative for treating multiple RT1 gingival recessions, with good patient acceptance.
Downloads
References
Academia Americana de Periodontología. Glosario de términos periodontales. [Internet]. Chicago: Academia Americana de Periodontología; [citado 6 de febrero de 2025]. Disponible en:https://members.perio.org/libraries/glossary?ssopc=1
Robo I, Heta S, Lasku G, et al. Gingival recession and attachment loss: Cross-sectional and retrospective data of 10 years. J Adv Periodontol Implant Dent. 2021;13(1):22-27. Published 2021 Jun 9. doi:10.34172/japid.2021.007
Stähli A, Duong HY, Imber JC, et al. Recession coverage using the modified coronally advanced tunnel and connective tissue graft with or without enamel matrix derivative: 5-year results of a randomised clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2023;27(1):105-113. doi:10.1007/s00784-022-04691-8
Niemczyk W, Niemczyk S, Prokurat M, et al. Etiology of gingival recession - a literature review. Wiad Lek. 2024;77(5):1080-1085. doi:10.36740/WLek202405131
Yadav VS, Gumber B, Makker K, et al. Global prevalence of gingival recession: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Dis. 2023;29(8):2993-3002. doi:10.1111/odi.14289
Ariceta A, Chambrone L, Stuhr S, et al. Effect of suturing in root coverage via coronally advanced flaps: A systematic review. Clin Adv Periodontics. Published online September 14, 2024. doi:10.1002/cap.10312
Rios FS, Costa RSA, Wagner TP, et al. Incidence and progression of gingival recession over 4 years: A population-based longitudinal study. J Clin Periodontol. 2021 Jan;48(1):114-125. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13383. Epub 2020 Nov 11. PMID: 33015887.
Imber JC, Kasaj A. Treatment of Gingival Recession: When and How?. Int Dent J. 2021;71(3):178-187. doi:10.1111/idj.12617
Cairo F, Nieri M, Cincinelli S, et al. The interproximal clinical attachment level to classify gingival recessions and predict root coverage outcomes: An explorative and reliability study. J. Clin. Periodontol. 2011,38:661–666.
Fageeh H, Bhati A, Thubab A, et al. Assessing the Reliability of Miller’sClassification and Cairo’s Classification in Classifying GingivalRecession Defects: A Comparison Study. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania). 2024;6(2):205. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020205
Evginer MS, Olgun E, Parlak HM, et al. Comparison of two techniques in gingival recession treatment: A randomized one-year clinical follow-up study. Dent Med Probl. 2022;59(1):121-130. doi:10.17219/dmp/137621
Lahham C, Ta’a MA. Clinical comparison between different surgical techniques used to manage advanced gingival recession (Miller’s class III & IV). Heliyon. 2022;8(8):e10132.
Yadav VS, Singh N, Bhatia A, et al. A Modified Suturing Protocol for Tripod Stabilization of Connective Tissue Graft and Coronal Advancement of Tunnel Flap for Treatment of Isolated Gingival Recession. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2022 Jan 1;42(1):e19–e14.
Chauca-Bajaña L, Pérez-Jardón A, Silva FFVE, et al. Root Coverage Techniques: Coronally Advancement Flap vs. Tunnel Technique: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dent J (Basel). 2024 Nov 1;12(11):341.
Zadeh HH. Minimally Invasive Treatment of Maxillary Anterior Gingival Recession Defects by Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2011 Nov 1;31(6):652–60.
López-Pagán E, Pascual-Serna AC.1 Biomodificación radicular con tetraciclina en el tratamiento quirúrgico periodontal.2 Av Periodon Implantol. 2023;23(3):155-170
Sebaoun A, Meir H, Slutzkey GS, et al. Effect of root surface conditioning on gingival recession coverage with a connective tissue graft. A retrospective comparative study of three different agents. J Esthet Restor Dent.
;33(5):679-684.
Sharma P, Kaur S, Sharma B, et al. Impact of different root conditioning agents on periodontally affected root surface: A scanning electron microscope study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2020 Aug;21(8):843-847.
Pini Prato G, Pagliaro U, Baldi C, et al. Coronally Advanced Flap Procedure for Root Coverage. Flap With Tension Versus Flap Without Tension: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. J Periodontol. 2000 Feb 1;71(2):188–201
Wan W, Zhong H, Wang J. Creeping attachment: A literature review. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2020 Dec 1;32(8):776–82.
Sabri H, SamavatiJame F, Sarkarat F, et al. Clinical efficacy of Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) for treatment of multiple gingival recession defects: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. Clin Oral Investig. 2023 Dec 1;27(12):7171–87.
Kumar MP, Nagate RR, Chaturvedi S, et al. Importance of periodontal phenotype in periodontics and restorative dentistry: a systematic review. BioMed Central. 2023.
Chen Z, Zhong J, Xie Y, et al. 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 Oct 1;35(7):1131–8.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucia Salinas Avila , Dante Levano Huamán , Antonio Diaz Suyo

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Los autores/as conservarán sus derechos de autor y garantizarán a la revista el derecho de primera publicación de su obra, el cuál estará simultáneamente sujeto a la Licencia de reconocimiento de Creative Commons que permite a terceros compartir la obra siempre que se indique su autor y su primera publicación esta revista.
- Los autores/as podrán adoptar otros acuerdos de licencia no exclusiva de distribución de la versión de la obra publicada (p. ej.: depositarla en un archivo telemático institucional o publicarla en un volumen monográfico) siempre que se indique la publicación inicial en esta revista.
- Se permite y recomienda a los autores/as difundir su obra a través de Internet (p. ej.: en archivos telemáticos institucionales o en su página web) posterior al proceso de aprobación del manuscrito, lo cual puede producir intercambios interesantes y aumentar las citas de la obra publicada.

