Published online Jun 26, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i18.3575
Revised: April 21, 2024
Accepted: April 24, 2024
Published online: June 26, 2024
Processing time: 117 Days and 21 Hours
Intrabony defects beneath non-keratinized mucosa are frequently observed at the distal site of terminal molars. Consequently, the application of regenerative treatment using the modified wedge-flap technique is considered impractical for these specific dental conditions.
This article proposes a modified surgical procedure aimed at exposing the distal intrabony defect by making a vertical incision in the keratinized buccal gingiva. The primary objective is to maintain gingival flap stability, thereby facilitating periodontal regeneration. The described technique was successfully employed in a case involving the left mandibular second molar, which presented with an intrabony defect without keratinized gingiva at the distal site. In this case, an incision was made on the disto-buccal gingival tissue, creating a tunnel-like separation of the distal non-keratinized soft tissue to expose the intrabony defect. Subsequently, bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration surgeries were performed, resulting in satisfactory bone fill at 9 mo postoperatively.
This technique offers a regenerative opportunity for the intrabony defects beneath non-keratinized mucosa and is recommended for further research.
Core Tip: Intrabony defects beneath non-keratinized mucosa frequently occur at the distal of terminal molars, thereby rendering standard regenerative therapy considered impractical. Consequently, we devised a surgical strategy tailored to this specific scenario. By making a vertical incision in the keratinized buccal gingiva, we were able to separate distal non-keratinized soft tissue in a tunnel-like manner, exposing the defect. Regenerative therapy was effectively administered, offering a promising avenue for teeth with non-keratinized mucosa above intrabony defects.