Root coverage with the free gingival graft. Factors associated with incomplete coverage.

The free soft tissue autograft when used for increasing the amount of attached gingiva is a relatively simple surgical procedure. The use of the free soft tissue autograft for root coverage, however, is a much more technically demanding procedure requiring the periodontist to consider additional factors. Overlooking or failing to properly address a single one of these factors can result in incomplete coverage. The purpose of this paper is to outline those factors that must be considered when complete root coverage is attempted.