Modified Whale′s tail technique for the management of bone-defect in anterior teeth

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to describe the efficacy of a modified Whale's tail technique to achieve primary closure and thereby aid in regeneration of an interdental osseous defect between maxillary central incisors complicated by an aberrant frenal attachment. A healthy 32-year-old female patient reported with the complaint of spacing between her upper front teeth. Clinical examination revealed an aberrant frenum extending into the interdental papilla in relation to the central incisors. There was a 6 mm periodontal pocket in relation to the mesiopalatal aspect of maxillary left central incisor. Intraoral periapical radiograph showed vertical bone loss in relation to mesial aspect of maxillary left central incisor. A modified Whale's tail flap was employed to access the area. The defect was filled with an alloplastic graft. Six months postoperative review showed complete elimination of the pocket along with radiographic bone fill of the defect.

Surgical management of wide intrabony defect underlying midline diastema using Whale’s tail flap technique: A Case Report

“…This limitation was addressed in the Whale’s tail technique, by elevation of a large buccal flap, which allowed the preservation of a significant amount of soft tissue as well as facilitating access and visualization of the defect [ 8 ]. Clinical findings obtained with this technique in terms of CAL gain (2 mm) and PPD reduction (3 mm) and radiographic bone fill were comparable with the results achieved with other clinical studies in which the same technique was adopted [ 8 , 12 , 13 ]. Soft tissue healing is dependent on many factors: incision technique, flap design, tissue manipulation, postsurgical follow-up, and patient cooperation [ 14 ].…”

A Comparative Evaluation of Non-Incised Papillae and Entire Papilla Preservation Surgical Approaches in Treatment of Intrabony Defects – A Clinical and Radiographic Study

“…Previous studies on different papilla preservation techniques also revealed significant radiographic outcomes. [35][36][37][38] On the contrary, the present investigation revealed significant differences in bone fill of intrabony defects in the radiographic outcomes following treatment with NIPSA or EPP with the application of HA/GTR. This change may be attributed to the selection of sites and the type of defect.…”