The Modified Apically Repositioned Flap Technique: A Long-Term (4 to 16 Years) Retrospective Study

Attached gingiva is desirable for the maintenance of gingival health. Although many methods are used to increase the zone of attached gingiva, the modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) technique has the advantages of simplicity and predictability. The short-term follow-up of the MARF technique demonstrated an increase in keratinized tissue and attached gingiva. This study evaluated long-term results of the MARF technique as used to increase the apicocoronal dimensions of keratinized tissue and attached gingiva in 28 sites (25 patients; average follow-up of 9 years). There was a statistically significant increase in keratinized tissue and attached gingiva with no increase in probing depths or gingival recession. These results suggest that the MARF procedure predictably generates keratinized tissue and attached gingiva with long-term stability.