title: The effect of the supra-alveolar soft tissues on the relapse of orthodontic treatment. I. Surgical procedure minimizing the possible influence of the gingival soft tissues on orthodontic treatment relapse.
abstract: This is the first of three reports in a study of the effect of the supra- alveolar soft tissues on orthodontic relapse. A surgical method is presented, the object of which is to remove most of the interdental soft tissues without permanent damage to the gingiva or the other parts of the periodontium. A marginal incision is made buccally and lingually in the gingival sulcus in the area concerned. The edge of the wound is folded away from the teeth with a raspatory (Fig, 2). The portion of the papillae remaining between the teeth is excised (Fig 3). The edges of the wound are approximated with sutures placed interdentally (Fig 4). The surgical wound heals with complete regeneration of the interdental papillae (Figs. 6 and 9).
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005890:Gingivectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*