Mucogingival surgery for patients under orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Gingival recession is one of the common mucogingival problems during the orthodontic treatment. The causes of the gingival recession are similar to gingival recession in patients with periodontal diseases. Accumulation of bacterial deposits around the natural teeth induces the gingival inflammation and gingival recession occurs in the teeth with the lack of the supporting bone. However, malpositioned teeth which are labially positioned teeth or rotated teeth are more risky for gingival recession. Once root is exposed to oral cavity due to gingival recession, the orthodontic tooth movement is compromised and esthetic problems appeared. In addition, excessive gingival recession over the mucogingival junction jeopardizes the oral hygiene control, which has a risk of further gingival recession and bone loss around the tooth. To cover exposed root or to prevent further gingival recession, mucogingival surgery with gingival graft is recommended for the patients under orthodontic treatment. This case report aimed to present the mucogingival treatments of gingival recession observed during orthodontic treatment. Case I had had initial slight gingival recession before the orthodontic treatment. However, during the retraction phases, the gingival recession progressed and the periodontal treatment was referred. In case II, miller Class III gingival recession was occurred after correction of rotation. Both cases were treated by coronally advanced flap with free gingival grafts and recovered to the level of adjacent teeth despite of complete root coverage was not achieved in Case II. After periodontal treatment, orthodontic treatment was successfully completed. In conclusion, mucogingival surgery during the orthodontic treatment is recommended for the successful orthodontic treatment as well as periodontal health.