Apically positioned flap: reestablishment of esthetics and integrity of the dentogingival unit

The aim of the present paper was to report a clinical case of apically positioned flap with osteotomy in order to provide the esthetic smile correction. T.M.M., a 21-year-old white male patient, attended at the Clinic of Periodontology of the Ara atuba Dental School (UNESP) with chief complaint of having short teeth. The intraoral physical examination showed gingival inflammation and probing depth up to 5 mm in specific regions (mesial of tooth #7). The presence of excess of restorative material was observed at the free gingival margin of the maxillary central incisors. Radiographically, it was possible to observe no alveolar bone loss and a normal aspect of interproximal restorations. Thepatient was initially submitted to scaling and root planning procedures, followed by periodontal surgical therapy (apically positioned flap with osteotomy), aiming to lengthen the apparent clinical crown of the maxillary incisors. The clinical case presented provided to demonstrate the relevance of choosing the appropriate surgical technique, which contributed to a satisfactory esthetic and functional outcome, renewing the patient’s self-esteem.