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.

CONCLUSION

Root coverage of a palatal recession defect can be obtained with a subepithelial graft.