Guided tissue regeneration using a resorbable membrane in gingival recession-type defects: a histologic case report in humans.

This case report clinically and histologically evaluated the regeneration of gingival tissues with the use of resorbable membranes. The study was performed on a premolar for which extraction was planned. The exposed root surface was thoroughly cleaned and planed with curettes and rotary instruments, and two notches were created on the facial aspect of the exposed root surface. A resorbable Resolute membrane (WL Gore) was applied above the defect to allow for gingival regeneration. After a 6-month healing period, a block section containing the root and the regenerated tissues was removed. The biopsy specimen was processed to obtain thin ground sections. The histologic analysis demonstrated the formation of a newly generated periodontal tissue from the deepest notch toward the coronal gingiva. The newly formed tissue was composed of a coronal area of connective tissue attachment and an apical area of bone fibers and cementum. The present report histologically demonstrates the ability of a resorbable membrane to allow complete regeneration of the periodontal ligament in the coverage of gingival recessions.