The Papilla Access Tunnel Technique for the Treatment of Shallow Recession and Thin Tissue in the Mandibular Anterior Region

It is often difficult to perform the tunnel technique for root coverage and soft tissue augmentation in the mandibular anterior region where there is shallow recession and thin soft tissue, particularly when accompanied by prominent roots and alveolar undercuts. The aim of this report is to present a papilla access technique that facilitates tunnel site preparation and graft placement in such sites. This surgical access method may also be applied to sites where there is moderate to severe recession of the mandibular central incisors, and extension of the tunnel to include both the lateral incisors and canines is desired for augmentation. The papillary access provides improved surgical access for both site preparation and graft placement with reduced risk of perforation or injury to thin tissue.