Treatment of single maxillary gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesion: Randomized clinical trial comparing connective tissue graft alone to graft plus partial restoration

Background: Gingival recession (GR) is frequently associated with non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) forming a combined defect (CD). The aim of this study was to evaluate a new multidisciplinary protocol for CDs. Methods: Forty patients presenting 40 Miller’s Class I or II GR defects associated with B+ tooth cervical defect were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: test group (n = 20), partial restoration (PR) of the NCCL, in which the apical border of the restoration was placed 1 mm beyond the cement–enamel junction estimation, and connective tissue graft (CTG + PR) and Control Group (n = 20), odontoplasty of the NCCL and connective tissue graft (CTG). Clinical, aesthetic and patient-centred outcomes were evaluated. Results: After 12 months, CD coverage rates were 75.3% (2.5 ± 1.0 mm) for CTG + PR and 74.6% (2.4 ± 1.1 mm) for CTG (p > 0.05). The estimated complete root coverage was 60% (n = 12) for CTG + PR and 70% (n = 14) for CTG. CTG + PR resulted in significantly better dentin hypersensitivity (DH) reduction (p = 0.034). Both groups resulted in aesthetic improvements; however, the CTG + PR group showed better gingival contour results. Conclusions: CTG and CTG + PR were effective to treat CD. Use of PR resulted in better gingival margin contour and DH reduction, without effect on CD coverage by CTG. (NCT02817763).