Laterally moved, coronally advanced flap for the treatment of a single Stillman's cleft. A 5-year follow-up.

Abstract

Background: The treatment of gingival recessions is one of the important branches of periodontics related to esthetics. However, no surgical technique has been reported for the treatment of a particular type of gingival recession called Stillman's cleft.

Methods: The technique proposed is a laterally moved, coronally advanced flap. After local anesthesia, two parallel incisions, one along the cleft and the second parallel to the first one, have been placed beyond the mucogingival junction, allowing a rotating partial-thickness flap to cover the recession.

Results: The procedure, in this case presentation, resulted in successfully covering the previously exposed root surface.

Conclusion: Root coverage of a Stillman's cleft can be obtained and maintained for 5 years follow-up with a laterally moved, coronally advanced flap.