Treatment of a palatal-gingival groove using enamel matrix derivative.

This case report demonstrates the treatment of a severe palatal-gingival groove on a maxillary lateral incisor. Periodontal surgery for tissue preservation and esthetics included odontoplasty, citric acid application, and the placement of porcine enamel matrix protein. At intervals up to 15 months postoperatively, the site remained free of signs of clinical inflammation and revealed a stable decrease of 8 mm to 9 mm in probing depth. This surgical procedure improved the long-term prognosis for this tooth from poor to excellent.