Abstract: Objective · To observe the clinical outcome of the modified laterally advanced flap combined with tunnel technique for the treatment of maxillary isolated soft tissue defects. Methods · Three of maxillary isolated soft tissue defects were selected, and the modified lateral advanced flap combined with tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft was performed to repair the soft tissue defects. Pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), recession height (RD), recession weight (RW), gingiva thickness (GT), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were measured at baseline and one-year follow-up after treatment and the root coverage rate (RC%) was calculated. Results · Totally three patients were treated, two Miller Ⅲ and one Miller Ⅱ. The mean RC% at one-year follow-up was (78.89±18.36)%. The mean CALs at baseline and follow-up were (6.00±1.00) mm and (1.83±1.61) mm. The mean RHs at baseline and follow-up were (5.33±0.58) mm and (1.17±1.04) mm. The mean RWs at baseline and follow-up were (6.00±1.32) mm and (4.50±3.91) mm. The mean GTs at baseline and follow-up were (0.83±0.29) mm and (1.83±0.76) mm. The mean KTWs at baseline and follow-up were (0.83±0.76) mm and (5.50±0.50) mm. Conclusion · In the treatment of maxillary isolated soft tissue defect, the modified lateral advanced flap combined with tunnel technique has broad application and valid clinical outcome.

Key words: gingival recession, laterally advanced flap, tunnel technique, maxillary isolated soft tissue defect, root coverage rate