Purpose?
Selected recession defects and root coverage.
← All explanationsCoronally advanced flap
What is a coronally advanced flap?
A coronally advanced flap is a surgical technique that moves gum tissue towards the tooth crown. Its aim may be partial or complete coverage of an exposed root surface. A connective tissue graft may be added depending on the findings.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Understand the direction
Coronal means towards the tooth crown. Existing soft tissue is mobilised and secured in a more coronal position. The tooth itself is not moved.
With or without a graft
Additional connective tissue may support the tissue situation. Need depends on thickness, defect and treatment aim, among other factors. A donor site has its own discomfort and healing requirements.
Healing is part of the result
Sutures stabilise the new position. Aftercare protects healing. Complete, permanently unchanged root coverage cannot be guaranteed; bleeding, swelling or infection are possible risks.
Read the full explanation
Understand the direction
Coronal means towards the tooth crown. Existing soft tissue is mobilised and secured in a more coronal position. The tooth itself is not moved.
With or without a graft
Additional connective tissue may support the tissue situation. Need depends on thickness, defect and treatment aim, among other factors. A donor site has its own discomfort and healing requirements.
Healing is part of the result
Sutures stabilise the new position. Aftercare protects healing. Complete, permanently unchanged root coverage cannot be guaranteed; bleeding, swelling or infection are possible risks.
Notes on the teaching images
- Possible starting condition · no surgical step
- No graft or tissue tunnel is depicted
- No before-and-after or treatment result shown
At a glance
Always a graft?
No; this is decided individually.
Certain lasting complete coverage?
No.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Root coverage or crown lengthening?
Root coverage moves the soft-tissue margin towards the crown. Crown lengthening aims to expose more tooth structure. These are not interchangeable operation names.
Quick answers
Does this lengthen the tooth crown?
No. The flap moves towards the crown to cover exposed root. Surgical crown lengthening has a different purpose.
Does every recession require this operation?
No. Symptoms, progression, cleanability, tissue findings and preferences are assessed together. Monitoring or other measures may be appropriate.
Can I brush normally immediately afterwards?
Follow the individual aftercare plan for the operated area. Early mechanical trauma should be avoided, and reviews form part of treatment.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
How much coverage is achievable, and what additional benefit would a graft offer in my case?
Discuss your individual findings and whether a referral is appropriate.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Coronal
- Towards the tooth crown.
- Flap
- A surgically mobilised tissue segment that remains connected to surrounding tissue.
Make the distinction
Root coverage moves the soft-tissue margin towards the crown. Crown lengthening aims to expose more tooth structure. These are not interchangeable operation names.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.