Successful management of khat chewing-induced gingival recession by using tunnel technique utilizing subepithelial connective tissue graft: A case report

Abstract

Aim: Treatment of an unusual gingival recession induced by khat chewing habit. Background: Gingival recession induced by khat chewing was confirmed by many authors. However, there is no proposal for treatment of gingival recession induced by chewing khat. Case description: A systemically healthy nonsmoking male khat chewer aged 38 years presented with class III gingival recession around the lower right incisor. The treatment approach involved a subepithelial connective tissue graft with a tunnel procedure. Conclusion: A full coverage of khat-induced recession was achieved by using tunnel technique utilizing subepithelial connective tissue graft at 1-year follow-up. Clinical significance: Treatment of gingival recession, including those induced by mechanical trauma such as chewing habits is considered as an esthetic demand and it is the responsibility of the clinician to determine the proper treatment plan for the correcting esthetic and functional defects of the periodontal tissues.