Uncovering of transplanted connective tissue graft: Clinical and histological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal plastic surgery aims to restore recessions and dehiscence around teeth and implants. Several techniques, such as subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), were proposed with the main outcome of improving volume and root coverage. Nevertheless, this surgery might not improve the keratinized tissue width. Thus, the primary aim of this case report was to describe the possible increase in keratinized tissue after a subepithelial CTG and simultaneously use the previously harvested graft as a source for covering an adjacent tooth.

METHODS: A 38-year-old patient presented brushing discomfort 2 years after undergoing periodontal plastic surgery with a CTG from the palate to cover a recession. Despite the increased thickness of the soft tissue, brushing discomfort was not reduced because the tissue quality remained unchanged. Therefore, a surgical procedure in the area of teeth 3.2-3.4 was performed to remove the more superficial masticatory mucosa and to induce keratinization of the previously grafted connective tissue.

RESULTS: After 6 months, the epithelium appears to be clinically and histologically keratinized, with characteristics comparable to those of the original tissue.

CONCLUSIONS: The connective tissue grafted maintains the potential to induce keratinization over time, if it is exposed.

KEY POINTS: Why is this case new information? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature with a histological evaluation in a human of the tissue grafted exposed after 2 years. What are the keys to successful management of this case? The graft covered by the alveolar mucosa did not induce keratinization of the epithelium of the overlying mucosa. What are the primary limitations to success in this case? The main limitation of this study is that it is a singular case report.