Lateral pedicle graft: A treatment modality for root coverage of localized gingival recession: A case report

Abstract

Gingival recession has been defined as the apical shift of gingival margin from its physiologic level (1 to 2 mm coronal to cementoenamel junction) causing pathologic exposure of root surfaces. Mucogingival esthetic surgery is all about treatment of mucogingival esthetic alterations. Mucogingival problems may be caused by gingival recession often in association with non-carious cervical lesion or by root caries or by altered passive eruption. Patient with gingival recession frequently report to dental clinics which could lead to pain or hypersensitivity, esthetic problem, retention of plaque hence inflamed gingiva, root caries, abrasion and fear of tooth loss. Gingival recession can be treated by surgical or non-surgical means. Nonsurgical means include - restorations, crowns, veneers and gingival masks whereas surgical approaches includes various methods of increasing the width of keratinized tissue such as frenectomy in case of high frenal attachment & root coverage procedures. The lateral displaced pedicle flap was first described by Grupe and Warren in 1956. It was used to cover the isolated, denuded root surfaces that have adequate amount of donor tissue adjacent to the recipient site. The vestibular depth must be adequate to laterally slide the pedicle. A case of gingival recession is presented that was managed using LPG technique. This technique was selected because of certain advantages – single surgical area, preservation of blood supply of flap, the postoperative color being in harmony with surrounding tissue. Keywords: Lateral pedicle, Graft, Gingival recession.