A partly epithelialized free gingival graft technique in the treatment of RT2 gingival recession- A case report

The management of gingival recession is a more common challenge for the patients as it affects the esthetics and causes dentin hypersensitivity. The use of the autogenous soft tissue graft as donor is considered as a gold standard treatment modality with predictable esthetic outcomes for the gingival recession coverage. In partly epithelialized free gingival graft (PE-FGG) technique the apical portion of the graft is de-epithelialized to overcome, partly the esthetic deficiencies associated with the conventional FGG. A 42 year old female patient presented with single Cairo’s RT2 buccal recession with 41 and was associated with inadequate width of keratinized gingiva. PE-FGG technique was performed after harvesting the soft tissue graft from the palate. The apical portion was de-epithelialized extra-orally with sharp blade and the graft was sutured on the recipient site with Holbrook and Oschenbien sutures. Complete root coverage was achieved and maintained at 6 months with excellent esthetic outcomes. The use of PE-FGG technique shows excellent outcomes esthetically and can be used for treatment of isolated gingival recession defects.