Necrosis of gingiva and alveolar bone caused by acid etching and its treatment with subepithelial connective tissue graft.

The misuse of various chemicals in dentistry may cause damage to gingiva and alveolar bone. In this case report, we describe necrosis of the gingiva and alveolar bone caused by acid etching. A patient whose caries on the cervical third of the root of his mandibular right first molar were treated 2 days earlier presented to our clinic with severe pain and discomfort in the treated area. Intraoral examination revealed a spreading gingival ulceration and exposed alveolar bone. The patient was followed and a week later, when the gingival inflammation had decreased, periodontal surgery was performed. A full-thickness flap was raised and necrotic gingiva and bone were removed. As a result, only a narrow band of keratinized gingiva remained. To treat the gingival recession and protect the underlying bone, a subepithelial connective tissue graft was placed during the same session. After the operation, the patient"s complaints resolved. Subepithelial connective tissue graft can be an important treatment approach in cases of necrosis and gingival recession caused by the misuse of various chemicals.