Root coverage of a palatal recession defect: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Obtaining predictable root coverage has become an important part of periodontal therapy. However, little has been reported concerning the treatment of palatal recession defects. This is a case report which demonstrates a technique to obtain root coverage of a palatal recession defect.


METHODS
The technique involved elevating a partial-thickness palatal flap and placing a connective tissue graft beneath the flap and over the recession defect (subepithelial graft). The portion of the connective tissue graft placed over the recession defect was not covered by the flap.


RESULTS
Clinically significant amounts of root coverage were obtained (84.6%), although the connective tissue graft was not covered by the flap.


CONCLUSIONS
Root coverage of a palatal recession defect can be obtained with a subepithelial graft.
Harris
R J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar; D010159:Palate