Background: Gingival recession is a prevalent clinical condition where the gingival margin migrates apically, leading
to esthetic issues, dentinal sensitivity, and compromised periodontal health. The application of autologous graft
material like Bichat's Fat Pad (BFP) provides regenerative solution because of its abundant blood supply, simplicity in
harvest, and potential for better healing. This case series assesses the effectiveness of BFP in treating gingival
recession under Cairo's RT1, RT2, and RT3 classifications.
Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes of root coverage using BFP in recession defects with varying levels of
tissue loss and interproximal bone support.
Materials and Methods: Three patients with gingival recession defects classified as RT1, RT2, and RT3 were treated
with BFP grafts. Pre- and post-operative parameters like gingival recession depth (GRD), and percentage of root
coverage (PRC) were recorded during a 6-month follow-up visit. The BFP was harvested using a minimally invasive
procedure and positioned to the recipient site using a coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique.
Results:All three patients showed significant improvement in clinical parameters at the 6-month follow-up. In RT1
and RT2 defects, nearly complete root coverage (90–100%) was achieved with satisfactory color and tissue blending at
the treated sites. The gingival recession depth (GRD) was markedly reduced, and no postoperative complications such
as graft necrosis or infection were observed. In the RT3 defect, partial root coverage (approximately 50–60%) was
obtained, though soft tissue thickness and healing quality improved noticeably. Overall, the use of the Bichat’s Fat Pad
(BFP) demonstrated predictable healing, stable attachment, and enhanced esthetic outcomes.
Conclusion: Buccal fat pad grafting is a promising method of gingival recession management, especially for RT1 and
RT2 defects, with excellent root coverage and improved soft tissue regeneration. Outcomes in RT3 cases are restricted,
presumably because of extreme interproximal tissue loss. Additional research with larger populations is warranted to
confirm these results and investigate optimization methods for more severe recession defects.
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