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Guided bone regeneration of a pronounced gingivo-alveolar cleft due to orthodontic space closure.

Pinheiro ML, Moreira TC, Feres-Filho EJ

Graduate Periodontics, School of Dentistry at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Gingival invagination is a relatively common occurrence following orthodontic closure of extraction sites. The present paper reports a combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment in a patient with a severe gingivo-alveolar cleft due to orthodontic closure of maxillary central incisor extraction space. METHODS: A definite interdental gingival cleft, extending 8 mm into the alveolar bone, required the correction of the gingival deformity as a first step, followed by guided bone regeneration (GBR). The GBR approach included the emptying of the incisive foramen to approximately 5 mm in depth followed by the insertion of bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and covering with a bioabsorbable barrier membrane. Six months afterward, the orthodontic therapy was resumed. RESULTS: Radiographs and clinical examination 4 years after the completion of therapy indicates functionally and aesthetically satisfactory and stable results. CONCLUSION: The present paper illustrates an additional application for the guided bone regeneration technique.

Published 31 May 2006 in J Periodontol, 77(6): 1091-5.
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