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The Papilla Amplification Flap for the Treatment of a Localized Periodontal Defect Associated With a Palatal Groove
Author(s) -
Zucchelli Giovanni,
Mele Monica,
Checchi Luigi
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2006.050333
Subject(s) - dentistry , medicine , coronal plane , dental alveolus , groove (engineering) , buccal administration , dental papilla , radiodensity , major duodenal papilla , orthodontics , radiography , anatomy , dentin , materials science , surgery , odontoblast , metallurgy
Background: Teeth with a palatal groove often present with severe localized periodontal attachment loss including pocket formation and alveolar bone loss. The aim of the present case report was to describe the regenerative surgical treatment of periodontal and bone lesions associated with the subgingival extension of a palatal groove affecting a maxillary lateral incisor. Methods: The left maxillary lateral incisor of a systemically healthy young subject presented with a palatal probing depth of 10 mm with no gingival recession at the buccal and palatal surfaces; the neighboring interdental papillae were intact. The radiograph showed a radiolucency area distal to the affected tooth. Treatment procedures consisted of: 1) the papilla amplification flap with the use of enamel matrix proteins as the regenerative periodontal material; 2) the elimination/flattening of the radicular portion of the palatal groove; and 3) the sealing of the coronal portion of the groove with composite flow. Results: The clinical examination at 1 year revealed a clinical attachment gain (8 mm) with a shallow residual probing depth (2 mm) and no increase in gingival recession. The radiographic examination showed the complete disappearance of the radiolucency area suggesting bone fill. Conclusions: The present study indicated that localized periodontal defects associated with a palatal groove can be successfully treated by means of the papilla amplification flap with the use of enamel matrix protein as the regenerative material. The long‐term stability of such successful results needs to be determined.