Free Gingival–Bone Graft in the Anterior Maxilla: A Clinical Case Report

Abstract

Aim: To present the healing, development, and long-term clinical results after a combined gingival–bone graft as an alternative treatment for the management of critical extraction sites in the esthetic zone. Background: To enhance the knowledge of in vivo soft and hard tissue remodeling, in this case report, we observed the healing, development, and long-term clinical results after a case of a combined gingival–bone graft as an alternative treatment for the management of critical extraction sites. Case description: Autogenous grafts of gingival and bone tissue were placed in a 56-year-old female patient, where a hopeless upper left central incisor with an evident loss of both the buccal and the palatal bony plates and with endodontic problems was due for extraction. In order to obtain enough autogenous tissue for filling the defect, a cylindrical free gingival and bone graft was retrieved from the retromolar area with a trephine drill, to obtain hard and soft tissues for grafting the postextraction defect. After 6 months, following soft tissue maturation and once esthetic and natural gingival contours were achieved, the surgical site was prosthetically restored with a porcelain fused to a metal bridge and scheduled for regular follow-up. Conclusion: No complications were observed either from the donor site or from the recipient site. The post-treatment result was esthetically pleasing, based upon successful architectural stability of both hard and soft tissues. Although more studies are needed to confirm the beneficial use of this approach, the procedure can be considered a viable option in the management of soft and hard tissue remodeling in esthetically compromised cases. Clinical significance: The gingival–bone graft may be considered as an alternative treatment for the management of critical extraction sites in the esthetic area.