[Esthetics in periodontal surgery: description and discussion of an incision and suture technic]

One of the main aspects from a patient's standpoint regarding periodontal therapy is esthetics; the clinician who wants to control the disease by pocket elimination may underestimate this fact. This article describes a conservative surgical approach and a type of modified vertical mattress suture which allows repositioning of soft tissues to a preoperative level. A discussion follows on how such a conservative approach respects the philosophy of modern periodontal therapy.