Pseudoaneurysm of the Greater Palatine Artery Following Autogenous Connective Tissue Gingival Graft : A Case Series

Gingival recession is defined as the apical migration of the gingival margin from the amelocemental junction. This condition may be associated with symptoms such as tooth hypersensitivity, root decay, and cosmetic complaints from patients. Many treatments have been used to treat gingival recession and the gold standard is the autogenous connective tissue gingival graft because of its predictability. This type of gingival graft is performed by harvesting connective tissue from patients' hard palate. Periodontists and general dentists frequently perform these gingival grafts. Occasionally, some patients develop postoperative complications that need to be addressed in an hospital setting. An uncommon but concerning complication of an autogenous connective tissue gingival graft is a donor site pseudoaneurysm of the greater palatine artery. No description of this complication following a gingival graft has been identified in the current literature. One case report mentioned that pseudoaneurysm of the greater palatine artery looks like a pulsatile nodule associated or not with pain on palpation. From the experience of the investigators, patients may consult an hospital setting having a complaint of major oral bleeding. Local hemostatic agents can palliate this type of bleeding, but angiographic embolization is often required. Several cases were treated in the investigators' hospital. Thus, the investigators believe it is relevant to share this experience with the scientific community. The primary objective of this case series is to inform dental professionals of the existence and the management of postoperative pseudoaneurysm of the greater palatine artery following autogenous gingival graft. The secondary objective is to find potential solutions to minimize the incidence of this morbid complication.