Treatment of iatrogenically induced gingival recession in orthodontic patient with combination technique of vestibuloplasty and free gingival graft – Case report

Introduction

According to the 1999 AAP classification of periodontal disease and conditions, the gingival recession (vestibular, lingual & interproximal) areas are classified under the development or acquired mucogingival deformities.1 The incidence of the gingival recession is an age - dependent and their development begins relatively early in life.2

Though etiology is unclear, periodontal disease and mechanical trauma are considered as one of the primary factors in the pathogenesis of gingival recession. Faulty tooth brushing, intraoral piercings, bruxism and pathological bacteria can induce inflammation in periodontal tissues3 Some studies have reported that orthodontic therapy can be the etiological causes of gingival recession, and other studies have proclaimed the deepening of the gingival recession after the orthodontic therapy.

However, other studies found no indication of the advancement of gingival recession due to the presence of a fixed orthodontic therapy. Therefore, it is not clear that orthodontic tooth movement can result in gingival recession.4 This case report presents a successful clinical case of a Miller class II gingival recession in which complete root coverage was achieved by means of the combined technique of vestibuloplasty and use of free gingival graft allowing to achieve better aesthetic results.

Case Report

A 17-year-old female patient was referred from the Department of Orthodontics, G. Pulla Reddy Dental college and Hospital, Kurnool, India, with chief complaint of receding gums in the lower front tooth region. She was undergoing orthodontic treatment for correction of malocclusion. The patient had localized class II gingival recession in relation to 41 with inadequate attached gingiva and shallow vestibule. Patient with systemically healthy and no history of previous periodontal surgery were included in the study. Patient was explained about the surgery and informed consent were taken by the patient. Routine laboratory investigation was carried, non –surgical therapy was performed and oral hygiene instructions were given to the patient. After four weeks of phase I therapy, the patient was undergone surgical procedure after removal of arch wire.

Figure 1

pre-operative

Figure 2

Vestibuloplasty done irt 31,32,41,4

Figure 3

Donor site

Figure 4

FGG harvested from palate

Figure 5

FGG stabilized and sutured

Figure 6

Coe pack is placed

Figure 7

Post-operative at one week

Figure 8

Post-operative at one week

Figure 9

Post-operative at 1 month

Figure 10

ost-operative at 1 month

Figure 11

Post-operative at 3 months

Figure 12

Post-operative at 3 months

Discussion

It is well known that orthodontic therapy could leads to gingival recession, the interconnection between orthodontic therapy and gingival recession plays a crucial role in children, teenagers, and adolescents.5 During orthodontic treatment, gingival phenotype, proclination of teeth, type of therapy and duration of treatment plays a crucial role on alveolar bone remodeling around teeth structure and their surrounding periodontal tissues.6

Bone coupling takes place in the aspects of tooth movement, during this process bone resorption can takes place.7 A study by Yared et.al., shown an increased incidence of alveolar bone dehiscence and gingival recession when the tooth root was disparate away from the central portion of the alveolar bone.8

The treatment on labial aspect of marginal tissue recession for aesthetics or root sensitivity is a frequent concern. Several mucogingival surgical procedures have been carried out for the root coverage to prevent hypersensitivity. The localized recession may be a consequent activity of the prominent position of the mandibular anterior teeth, manifestation of bone dehiscence and thin gingival tissue. Many authors believe that the tooth position have an effect on root coverage.9, 10

For correcting the aberrant frenal attachments and to increase the width of attached gingiva several mucogingival procedures have been deployed, one among the periodontal plastic surgery technique is FGG (free gingival graft). To increase the vestibular depth, vestibuloplasty have been performed in this study. It has been proven that sufficient width of attached gingiva is necessary for maintaining the proper oral hygiene.11

Vestibuloplasty techniques are generally classified as Mucosal advancement vestibuloplasty (obwegeser technique), Secondary epithelization vestibuloplasty (Kazanjians technique, Godwins method, Lipswitch method and Clarks method), and Grafting vestibuloplasty (Mucosal and Skin graft).11

Clark (1953) recommended flap be pedicled off the lip and the raw area be left on the alveolar aspect rather than the labial aspect. Apart from Clark’s technique of vestibuloplasty, a free gingival graft which is harvested from the palate was used to augment the thin gingival phenotype and prevent further recession.11 This case report describes a combined vestibuloplasty and free gingival graft for the treatment of shallow vestibule and root coverage.

Conclusion

The united treatment approach of vestibuloplasty combined with FGG have the binary advantages for augmenting the vestibular depth and coverage of recession. Hence, it has been proven that adequate depth of vestibule is necessary for achieving plaque control.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.