Free gingival graft following biopsy: A case report of tissue management
This case study describes a procedure in which a pyogenic granuloma is removed and a soft tissue defect in the keratinized gingiva remains. The defect is repaired at the same time by using a free gingival graft.
A 33-year-old female was seen for periodontal evaluation of a soft tissue lesion impinging the facial keratinized tissue between teeth 10 and 11. The lesion appeared seven months prior to the patient's visit and was observed by the patient to be growing rapidly prior to the evaluation. The patient was approximately one month postpartum, in good general health, and not nursing.
The lesion, 5 x 6 mm in dimension, was excised and submitted for biopsy. A large nonesthetic defect remained. Therefore, a piece of tissue resembling the shape of the defect was removed from the same-side palate and sutured into the defect area.
Ten days later, sutures were removed and the patient was followed for up to six months after surgery. The area had a probing depth of 2 to 3 mm with no bleeding on probing. The procedure resulted in both patient acceptance of esthetics and repair of the gingival architecture. This case is of interest because it demonstrates the combination of two dental procedures into a time-saving single appointment which served the patient well. [D.S.S.]
Anderegg C., and D. Metzler, J Periodont, 67:532, 1996