RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 CO2 Laser De-epithelization Technique for Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft: A Study of 21 Recessions JF In Vivo JO In Vivo FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 869 OP 875 DO 10.21873/invivo.11851 VO 34 IS 2 A1 HIROYUKI YOSHINO A1 AKIRA HASUIKE A1 NAOYA SANJO A1 DAISUKE SATO A1 TATSUYA KUBOTA A1 HIDEKAZU NAGASHIMA A1 SHUICHI SATO YR 2020 UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/34/2/869.abstract AB Background/Aim: To report cases in which we achieved sufficient width of the keratinized gingiva using a coronally advanced flap in combination with a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) obtained by the ‘CO2 laser de-epithelization technique’ (CODE). Patients and Methods: Eleven patients with 21 Miller Class I, II, and III gingival recessions had surgery. To prepare SCTG, free gingival grafts were harvested and de-epithelialized extra-orally. De-epithelialization was conducted by irradiation of CO2 laser. Postoperative examinations were performed at 12 months. Results: At 12 months, statistically highly significant root coverage was achieved in all recessions. Complete root coverage was obtained in 7 of the 21 recessions. The treatment yielded mean root coverage of 41.0%, and was associated with a mean gain of keratinized gingiva of 2.9±0.3 mm. Conclusion: The use of CODE allows harvesting grafts of excellent quality and quantity and increases the keratinization of the overlying mucosal epithelium.