Periodontal phenotype modification therapy in a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment: a case report

• Published in: ARCHIVES OF HEALTH INVESTIGATION Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 667 - 673
• Main Authors: Tenório, Isabelle Silvério, Santos, Maria Vitória Calado Ramalho dos, Bernardino, Ítalo de Macedo, Andrade, Jamesson de Macedo, Sena, Luana Samara Balduino de, Fonseca, Fátima Roneiva Alves, Rodrigues, Rachel de Queiroz Ferreira, Sousa, João Nilton Lopes de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 09.03.2021
• ISSN: 2317-3009; 2317-3009
• DOI: 10.21270/archi.v10i4.5055

Introduction: Gingival recessions are mucogingival defects of multifactorial etiology that interfere with aesthetics and function; in many cases these defects require multidisciplinary treatment. Objective: To report a clinical case of gingival recession treatment using a periodontal and orthodontic approach. Case report: Patient a 20-year-old woman, sought the Extension Project of Clinical and Surgical Periodontics (PROEPECC/UFCG) complaining of developing gingival recession in tooth 31, which was poorly positioned in the arch after orthodontic movement. Periodontal examination revealed type 1 gingival recession associated with a prominent labial frenulum, with a gingival height of 3 mm, width of 2 mm, probing depth of 1 mm, and absence of attached gingiva. The root was covered using a subepithelial connective tissue graft removed from the palatal mucosa and coronally positioned flap; in addition, inferior labial frenectomy was performed. After 1 year and 6 months, tooth 31 was again moved to reposition it in the arch. One year and 10 months post-surgery, new periodontal examination was performed to evaluate the mucogingival characteristics of the treated area. The recession was completely covered and there was a 4-mm increase in the attached gingiva. Conclusion: Orthodontics may positively or negatively influence periodontal structures and periodontics may favor the prognosis of tooth movement in a risk area by modifying the periodontal phenotype, increasing its resistance to gingival recession.