Use of the Free Gingival Graft as a Pre-prosthetic Procedure

Introduction: Teeth with a narrow zone of keratinized tissue and shallow vestibular depth may show higher gingival inflammation. The free gingival graft (FGG) is one of the most common and predictable methods for correcting gingival tissue dimensions. Aim: This case presentation describes the use of FGG for pre-prosthetic procedures. Materials and Methods: In the first case, FGG was used to overcome the patient’s discomfort and to achieve improved conditions around the abutments and pontic area of a fixed prosthesis. In the second case report, the modified FGG technique was used to improve the gingival condition for future prosthodontic treatment using less donor tissue by placing the graft material in the most apical way with the periosteum coronal exposed to the graft. Discussion and Conclusions: By applying the FGG procedure as a pre-prosthetic procedure, an increase in keratinized tissue and vestibular depth was achieved. This procedure improved the condition of gingival tissue and appeared to show benefits for oral hygiene, even though certain amounts of shrinkage were seen vertically.