A new technique for bone augmentation and papilla reconstruction with autogenous free gingival-bone grafts

Autogenous grafting of gingival or bone tissue is often indicated to obtain optimal esthetics and function in periodontal and implant therapy. In the present study, 32 maxillary teeth were extracted, and the postextraction defects were treated with 32 autogenous cylindric free gingival-bone grafts retrieved with trephine burs from intraoral donor sites. Free gingival-bone grafts were also used to obtain root coverage and papilla reconstruction in three patients who required esthetic enhancement. Twelve to 16 weeks after the graft procedure, biopsies were retrieved and processed for histologic evaluation to verify integration of the grafts. The implants placed in the treated sites healed without complications and were functionally loaded after healing. The clinical and histologic results of this study suggest that the free gingival-bone graft technique may favor hard and soft tissue reconstruction of the sites treated, with esthetic and functional advantages.