Current Concepts on Soft Tissue Management to Maintain Periodontal Health and Improve Aesthetics

With improved oral health care, patients are keeping their teeth longer. As a result, more patients may develop mucogingival deformities which may be predisposing factors for increased gingival recession and inflammation. Patients may require periodontal plastic surgeries to improve periodontal health and/or improve aesthetics. Understanding the fundamental principles of periodontal plastic surgeries will help the clinician decide if the patient will benefit from these procedures.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the risks associated with gingival recession, lack of keratinized gingiva and thin phenotype.
• Identify the different types of mucogingival defects.
• Explain the different types of periodontal plastic surgeries to manage mucogingival defects.