Tunneling Options and Alternatives: From Materials to Methods

Saturday Session

Program Track: Periodontal Plastic/Oral Reconstructive Surgery

Moderator: Eduardo R. Lorenzana
Speakers: Edward Gottesman, Eric A. Rindler, Giovanni Zucchelli

Tunneling procedures for the treatment of recession defects have gained increased acceptance as specialists aim to restore health, function and esthetics with a minimally invasive approach. In addition, clinicians today have a variety of graft materials from which to choose when augmenting the soft tissue dimensions around teeth and dental implants. Consequently, interest has grown in documenting and reporting clinical outcomes utilizing different matrices in combination with minimally invasive surgery. This course will present the application of three different matrices in combination with tunneling and other site preparation techniques: autogenous tissue, acellular dermal matrix and xenogeneic collagen matrix. The state of the evidence, clinical techniques, advantages and limitations of each material will be presented.