Subpapillary Continuous Sling Suturing Method for Soft Tissue Grafting with the Tunneling Technique

This paper describes a new suturing method, the subpapillary continuous sling suture, for use with soft tissue grafts in tunnel procedures to treat gingival recession. This method combines the graft suture and the sutures used to advance the pouch margins over the graft into a single continuous sling suture. It is indicated particularly for sites with shallow recessions and those treated for augmentation rather than root coverage because of a lack of graft access for standard suture placement. The single-suture method may also be used for sites with moderate to severe recession. The advantages of this method include elimination of the need to place additional sutures for coronal advancement of the pouch, resulting in reduced suturing time and reduced opportunity to inadvertently cut the continuous suture with the needle when suturing the pouch.