Clinical Outcomes and Digital Color Stability of Gingival Unit Graft vs. Free Gingival Graft: An 18-Month Comparative Spectrophotometric Study

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study is to compare the long-term aesthetic integration and clinical outcomes of two different periodontal plastic surgery techniques: Gingival Unit Grafting (GUG) and Conventional Free Gingival Grafting (FGG). The study evaluates the effectiveness of these procedures in gaining keratinized tissue and analyzes the color and structural blending of the grafts with the surrounding tissues over an 18-month follow-up period using spectrophotometric and objective digital color evaluation metrics.

Inclusion Criteria: Systemically healthy individuals aged between 18 and 65 years. No systemic diseases contraindicating periodontal surgery. Not taking medications known to exert adverse effects on periodontal tissues. Presenting with Cairo Type 2 (RT2) or Type 3 (RT3) localized gingival recessions on mandibular incisors. Inability to maintain effective plaque control due to a width of attached gingiva ≤ 1 mm. Full-mouth plaque and gingival index scores ≤ 1. A bleeding on probing (BOP) score less than 10%. No history of prior soft tissue surgery in the designated area. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals who are pregnant or lactating. Presenting with gingival recession or prosthetic restorations at the donor site (maxillary premolar palatal region). Cases demonstrating caries, abrasions, or restorations on the root surfaces of the related teeth. Individuals with known allergies to dental impression materials. Periodontal pocket depth greater than 3 mm. Tooth malposition. Endodontic complications.