Repair of a Gingival Cleft Associated with a Maxillary Canine Tooth in a Dog

Abstract

This case report describes repair of a gingival cleft located on the labial aspect of the maxillary left canine tooth in a client-owned dog. Multiple procedures were performed including elevation of a pedicle flap, granulation tissue removal, alveoloplasty and root planing, and placement of an osteoconductive bone graft material. The surgical site was closed with a laterally repositioned flap. Postoperative examinations were performed at 2 and 3-weeks without chemical restraint and at 3 and 10-months postoperatively under general anesthesia. At the 10-month postoperative examination, a broad band of gingiva surrounded the maxillary left canine tooth, and probing revealed absence of periodontal pockets. Intraoral dental radiographs indicated maintenance of alveolar bone height and incorporation of the bone graft material into alveolar bone.