Impact of surgeon experience level on outcomes of three different root coverage procedures for RT1 gingival recession

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession (GR) is a common dental condition. Root coverage procedures (RCPs) aim to restore the gingival margin to its original position and maximize root surface coverage. The impact of surgeon experience on surgical outcomes has not been systematically evaluated. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of surgeon experience level on the outcomes of 3 different RCPs for RT1 GR by comprehensively assessing clinical and esthetic parameters before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 304 patients (1,020 teeth) were included in this study. Surgeons with more than 5 years of experience achieved a significantly higher percentage of root coverage (PRC) (96.34 ± 10.95%) and significantly lower clinical attachment level (CAL) values (1.20 ± 0.42 mm) than less experienced surgeons (p < 0.05). Notably, surgical duration decreased markedly with increasing surgical experience (p < 0.0001). The root coverage esthetic score (RES) did not differ significantly among the three groups. Group A demonstrated higher mucosal scar index (MSI) values for the coronally advanced flap combined with connective tissue graft (CAF + CTG). CONCLUSION: Surgeon experience level is associated with clinical efficacy and surgical efficiency in RCPs, with more experienced surgeons achieving superior PRC and attachment gain. Esthetic outcomes were comparable across experience levels. Additionally, more experienced surgeons had shorter operative times.