Creeping Attachment is a post-op migration of the gingival marginal tissue in a coronal direction, to cover partially or totally a previously denuded root. The gingival tissue becomes firmly attached to the root surface and the probing does not show any sulcular depth.
Free gingival grafts were placed in the lower anterior vestibular region of 30 patients. Parameters measured: length of the recession, width of the recession.
Measurements were made at 1 mo. , 6 mos., and 2 years. In all cases the attached gingiva was increased and the recession stopped. In no cases was the recession greater after surgery.
Optimal coverage by group I the young with no interdental bone loss with graft placed with root coverage. The factors which seem to influence the most was: width of the recession, positioning of the graft, bone resorption, position of the tooth, and OH.
The real question could be raised was the covering of the recession was due to bridging by the grafted tissue or to a real creeping of the attachment apparatus after healing.
Creeping measurement should of been measured differently than average of Group I and II, rather compare 1 mo. to 2 yr. recession.
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