Free gingival graft using a modified technique: a case series

Vítor Marques Sapata, Vanessa Camillo de Almeida, Ronald E. Jung, Giuseppe Alexandre Romito, João Batista César Neto

Introduction: Although the free gingival graft technique (FGG) presents a high predictability to increase keratinized tissue (KT), the graft contraction rate is significant. Objectives: This case report describes a modified FGG technique with the aim to reduce the graft shrinkage. Methods: Two patients presented chief complaints of sensitivity during tooth brushing on lower incisors and another patient in the region of an implant-supported restoration of tooth #46. In all cases, patients showed difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. These regions were treated with the modified FGG technique, in which the split-thickness flap performed to create the receptor bed is used to additionally stabilize the graft, instead of being removed. Results: In all cases, the patients’ complaints were solved. Width of keratinized mucosa increased and graft shrinkage ranged between 10 to 13%. Moreover, the keratinized tissue remained stable over time, presenting a highly satisfactory color compared to adjacent areas. Conclusion: The modified FGG technique can be successfully used to treat cases with lack of KT in teeth and implants. In addition, less graft shrinkage was observed compared to others studies.

Keywords: Gingival recession. Wound healing. Reconstructive surgical procedures. Autologous transplantation.

How to cite: Sapata VM, Almeida VC, Jung RE, Romito GA, César Neto JB. Free gingival graft using a modified technique: a case series. J Clin Dent Res. 2017 Apr-June;14(2):91-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14436/2447-911x.14.2.091-099.oar

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