This case reports a biopsy of a large soft tissue defect with gingival grafting. The therapeutic approach presented here combines a partly de-epithelialized free gingival graft (PDFGG) with an envelope technique, which may be useful for cases needing a large reactive lesion biopsy.

A patient with an aesthetic and functional complaint due to a fibroepithelial hyperplastic lesion was treated by excisional biopsy leaving a 10 mm cervical defect on tooth 23. A palatal PDFGG was harvested and sutured into the defect, using an “envelope technique” to improve the blood supply to the graft. The procedure is aimed at both recession coverage and reduction in root hypersensitivity. Stability of the outcome is demonstrated 9 months post-operative.

Gingival margin biopsies pose a significant challenge due to the need to combine significant tissue removal while providing a predictable aesthetic and functional outcome. The case is the first description of a successful grafting of a large residual gingival biopsy defect, resulting from using combined mucogingival surgical approach. This technique may be helpful for similar cases.