A Novel Approach of Using Free Buccal Pad of Fat Combined With Modified Coronally Advanced Flap in Treating Localized Gingival Recession: A Technical Note

Abstract

Background: Various surgical techniques have been proposed for the treatment of gingival recession (GR) in the form of either pedicled or free grafts. The free buccal pad of fat is an easy technique for harvesting a free graft for regenerative purposes and is currently gaining popularity and attention in the field of periodontology. The buccal fat pad is a fat tissue that is used as a novel source of mesenchymal cells (MSC). The aim of the current case report was to assess the efficacy of using a free buccal pad of fat in combination with a modified coronally advanced flap procedure (CAF) in treating localized gingival recession. Methods: A healthy 33-year-old male presented with gingival recession type 1 (RT1) affecting his upper right canine and was suffering from continuous sensitivity. Phase I therapy was performed six weeks before surgery. A modified CAF was raised to expose the recipient site and a free buccal fat pad graft (FBFP) was harvested and sutured in place. Results: The color of the tissues was nearly homogeneous two weeks following the surgical procedure. Maximum root coverage was 66.6% achieved at one month. However, a gradual relapse of 25% was noticed through the follow-up at three and six months postoperatively. Conclusion: The use of the FBFP in combination with a modified CAF can be excluded as a successful regenerative method for treating GR. However, further studies and randomized controlled clinical trials are recommended to confirm the effectiveness of this technique for the treatment of GR in the long term.