Current status of periodontal microsurgery.

Periodontal microsurgery has proven to be an effective means of improving the predictability of gingival transplantation procedures used in treating recession. It also promises to make papillary reconstruction a realistic possibility in the hands of most periodontists. The use of microsurgical principles and techniques has been extended to flap reflection and suturing as an ideal means of having precise control of the gingiva without traumatizing the tissue by stretching, distorting, or tearing it. Microsurgical use requires training and practice using visual feedback rather than tactile feedback as is common in macrosurgery. It is an area of great interest and practical application for the growth and future of periodontics.