Introduction Root coverage is one of the most imperative procedures in periodontal therapy. The demands from patients for aesthetics and sensitivity are some of the complaints in root exposure cases. Creeping attachment is a passive apical migration of the marginal gingiva and can be proposed as a noteworthy root coverage technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of the marginal gingiva and quantify the creeping attachment before and after the scaling and root planning (SRP) procedure. Materials and methods The present study was based on a single-centre clinical trial in which 30 sites from 10 patients were selected. Patients with Miller's class I gingival recession were selected. The plaque index, gingival biotype, and gingival margin position were measured at baseline and then at 10 and 21 days after SRP. The gingival biotype was measured with an endodontic file with a stopper and a digital vernier calliper. The gingival margin position was measured from the incisal surface of the tooth to the marginal gingiva with the help of a University of North Carolina (UNC) 15 periodontal probe. After recording the clinical parameters, a thorough SRP was performed using an ultrasonic scaler and manual instruments. Results The results were compared clinically at baseline and after 10 days and 21 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was conducted for pre-SRP and post-SRP findings using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19 (Released 2010; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) software. A statistically significant improvement was seen in all the clinical parameters at baseline, at 10 days, and at 21 days postoperatively after the procedure (P < 0.01). Conclusion The position of the gingival margin was shifted towards the crown, and the creeping attachment was significantly observed from baseline to 10 and 21 days. Clinical significance Creeping attachment after the SRP procedure can be considered a significant root coverage technique. The genetic memory of the gingiva may play an important role in achieving root coverage. Once local irritants are removed, the gingiva attempts to regain its original position. In addition, the gingival phenotype plays an important role in gingival marginal positioning after basic therapy and root coverage procedures.
Keywords: creeping attachment; gingival margin; passive root coverage; phase i periodontal therapy; scaling and root planning.
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